How to Roast a Chicken (Perfect Every Time!)

Learn how to roast a chicken perfectly every single time. Juicy inside, crispy golden skin outside, and packed with flavor.

Table of Contents

• Why You Can Trust This Recipe
• A Little Story Behind This Roast Chicken
• Why I Love This Recipe
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Roast a Chicken (Step-by-Step)
• Variations & Flavor Ideas
• How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead
• Final Thoughts

In this post, you’ll find my tried-and-true roast chicken recipe that I’ve refined over years of testing, plus plenty of helpful tips, herb variations, and ideas for stuffing and serving. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned home chef, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how long to roast a chicken, what temperature to use, and how to get restaurant-quality results at home — stress free!

This classic version uses simple, fresh ingredients and my foolproof method that guarantees a tender, flavorful bird every time. Once you’ve mastered this, you’ll never buy a store-bought rotisserie chicken again.

Why You Can Trust This Recipe

As a recipe developer, home and entertaining expert, and someone who has roasted countless chickens for both cozy family dinners and elegant gatherings, I’ve learned exactly what makes a roast chicken both delicious and effortless. I’ve tested everything — from slow roasting to high-heat methods — and this is the balance that gives you crispy skin, tender meat, and incredible flavor every time.

My goal is to make cooking approachable yet elevated. Every recipe I share is tested repeatedly to ensure it works for real home cooks. When I say this roast chicken is simple and foolproof, I truly mean it — it’s the one I make weekly in my own kitchen.

A Little Story Behind This Roast Chicken

The very first roast chicken I made was for a small dinner party in my first apartment in Montreal. I was nervous. After all, roasting a whole chicken can feel intimidating, but I quickly realized how forgiving it is. With a few fresh ingredients and a good roasting pan, that meal became the start of what is now my go-to entertaining dish.

Over the years, I’ve learned that a perfectly roasted chicken doesn’t need complicated techniques. Just quality ingredients, good seasoning, and a little patience. It’s comforting, elegant, and satisfying every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Just olive oil, lemon, herbs, garlic, and salt — no fancy marinades or equipment.
• Crispy skin, juicy meat: My temperature and timing tips make all the difference.
• Versatile: Use whatever herbs or aromatics you have on hand — perfect for “clean out the fridge” nights.
• Meal prep hero: Leftovers make incredible soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs), patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 4–5 garlic cloves, peeled and slightly crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or fresh sprigs)

Optional for extra flavor

• ½ tsp paprika for color
• A few sprigs of sage or parsley
• ½ cup white wine or chicken stock in the pan for moisture

How to Roast a Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A higher temperature helps crisp the skin while keeping the inside tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this is key for crispy skin. Place it breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.

Step 3: Season

Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) all over the chicken, making sure to coat every part. Season generously with salt, pepper, and your herbs of choice. Don’t forget to season inside the cavity!

Step 4: Stuff

Place lemon halves, onion, and garlic cloves inside the cavity. This infuses the chicken with flavor and moisture as it roasts.

Step 5: Roast

Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, tent the top loosely with aluminum foil.

Pro Tip

For extra crispy skin, start roasting at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for the remainder of the cooking time.

Step 6: Rest Before Carving

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

Variations & Flavor Ideas

Once you’ve mastered this base recipe, you can mix it up depending on your mood or what’s in your kitchen:

• Herb Butter Roast Chicken: Mix softened butter with garlic, lemon zest, and chopped rosemary. Rub it under the skin before roasting.
• Mediterranean Chicken: Use oregano, thyme, and paprika, and stuff with olives and lemon.
• Garlic & Sage Chicken: Add fresh sage leaves and whole garlic cloves for a cozy fall version.
• Stuffed Chicken: Fill the cavity with cubed bread, onion, celery, and herbs for a classic holiday-inspired roast.

How to Store Leftovers & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze shredded meat for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to retain moisture.

Bonus Tip

Save the bones to make homemade chicken stock — just simmer with onion, celery, carrots, and herbs for a flavorful broth.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a beautifully roasted chicken coming out of the oven — golden, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough for guests. This is my go-to roast chicken recipe because it’s stress-free, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious every time.

Once you make it, I guarantee it’ll become one of your kitchen staples too. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad — and enjoy the comforting, timeless flavors of home-cooked perfection.