Save to Pinterest A comforting, rustic roast chicken infused with fresh rosemary and garlic, inspired by classic cozy home cooking. This dish features tender, juicy meat and a fragrant, crispy skin perfect for a relaxed family dinner.
This recipe reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners spent with family, filling the home with mouth-watering aromas.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg/3.3 lbs) preferably free-range, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Aromatics: 4 large garlic cloves peeled and smashed, 3 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, 1 lemon halved, 1 medium onion quartered
- Vegetables (optional for roasting with chicken): 3 medium carrots peeled and cut into large chunks, 2 celery stalks cut into large chunks, 3 medium potatoes quartered
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the chicken then season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken:
- Stuff the cavity with the smashed garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, both lemon halves, and half of the onion.
- Arrange Vegetables:
- Arrange the carrots, celery, potatoes, and remaining onion in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables breast side up.
- Optional Tying:
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking (optional).
- Roast:
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced and a thermometer reads 75°C (165°F).
- Baste:
- Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking. If the skin browns too quickly cover loosely with foil.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables and pan juices.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this roast chicken at dinner always brings everyone together and creates cherished memories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this roast chicken alongside a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
For a different flavor profile try adding smoked paprika or lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
Save to Pinterest 
This roast chicken recipe is a timeless classic that never fails to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and basting with pan juices during roasting helps retain moisture, resulting in juicy meat.
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Marinating the chicken with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary for up to 24 hours before roasting deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- → What temperature should the chicken reach when cooked?
The internal temperature should register 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- → Are the vegetables necessary for roasting?
Vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes add flavor and moisture beneath the chicken but can be omitted if preferred.
- → What herbs can I use instead of rosemary?
Thyme or sage make excellent alternatives and provide different herbal notes to customize the flavor profile.