This easy roast chicken recipe is made with three ingredients! Learn how to roast a chicken that is tender, juicy, and delicious!This simple chicken recipe will be your go-to chicken recipe time and time again.
Prep. Preheat the oven to 425º F. Arrange the oven rack to the bottom 1/3 of the oven. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, place the chicken into a skillet or pan, and truss (if trussing).
Season the chicken. Rub the olive oil over the whole chicken. Sprinkle with the seasoning and press into the chicken.
Roast the chicken. Place the chicken into the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes per pound, until the chicken is crispy, golden, and registers 165º F when when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Rest. Remove the chicken from the oven, tent with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Storage TipsTo store leftovers. Place into an airtight container and store for 3 to 4 days.To make ahead. Cook the roast chicken as directed. Cool and cover with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To freeze. Store carved chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, reheat, and serve.Store the leftover chicken bones in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for 6 months to use for making homemade chicken stock.Roast Chicken Pro TipsThaw the chicken. If the chicken is frozen, place it in the refrigerator on a rimmed baking sheet to thaw for one to two days until completely thawed.Skip washing the chicken. Washing chicken has been found to be unnecessary and spreads bacteria.Check on it, but not too much. Check the chicken about halfway through the cooking time. If it looks too brown, tent it with foil. If you do not truss the chicken, check the temperature about 20 minutes earlier.Calculate the time. Multiple the weight of the chicken (in pounds) by 15 (minutes) to determine the estimated cooking time.Use a thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is an essential kitchen tool to know when your food is properly cooked. Chicken is done when it reaches 165º F.