Chicken is a delightful alternative to the traditional turkey, perfect for smaller gatherings or those who prefer a whole chicken. So below is my award-winning Thanksgiving roast chicken recipe!
With a blend of fresh herbs, garlic powder, and a touch of lemon zest, this juicy chicken is sure to impress your guests.
Using a whole bird allows for delicious pan juices and crispy skin, making it a great centerpiece for your holiday meal. Follow these best tips for roasting to achieve golden brown perfection, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving Roast Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken for Thanksgiving offers a delightful alternative to the traditional turkey.
Let’s be honest; not everyone likes turkey! And a giant turkey takes forever to cook and can end up unevenly cooked and dry.
This juicy chicken, golden brown and glistening with melted butter, along with classic sides like Thanksgiving stuffing, becomes the centerpiece of your holiday meal.
With a blend of fresh herbs, garlic powder, and a hint of lemon zest, this roast chicken recipe is designed to impress. The combination of flavors ensures that every bite is succulent and satisfying, making it ideal for smaller gatherings or those who prefer a whole bird over turkey.
To achieve the best results, it’s essential to let the chicken rest at room temperature before cooking. This simple step helps in achieving an even cook throughout the meat.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Roast
The key to a delicious roast chicken lies in the ingredients. A whole chicken, typically weighing around 4-5 pounds, is seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and a variety of spices.
Using olive oil to coat the chicken skin not only adds flavor but also helps in achieving that coveted crispy texture. Fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the aroma, while garlic cloves and onion quarters stuffed into the cavity of the chicken infuse it with rich flavors as it roasts.
Don’t forget the lemon slices! They add a refreshing zest that balances the savory notes of the dish. The chicken stock poured into the roasting pan captures the delicious pan juices, creating a base for homemade gravy or simply to drizzle over the chicken when serving.
Roasting Techniques for Juicy Perfection
To start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high oven temperature is crucial for achieving that golden brown skin.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from crisping up. Rub the olive oil generously over the chicken, followed by a liberal seasoning of kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
When placing the chicken in the roasting pan, ensure it is breast side up. This positioning allows the juices to flow down into the chicken breasts, ensuring they remain moist. Use a pastry brush to apply melted butter over the chicken skin, enhancing both flavor and color as it cooks.
Monitoring Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time for a whole chicken is approximately one and a half hours. However, the most reliable way to ensure it is perfectly cooked is by using an instant-read thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allowing the chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving is essential; this step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy chicken.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
When it comes to serving your roast chicken, the options are endless. Pair it with traditional Thanksgiving side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and tangy cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
For those who enjoy sweet flavors, consider adding sweet potatoes to the mix. The contrast between the savory chicken and sweet sides creates a delightful balance on the plate.
Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious pan juices over the carved chicken for added flavor. This simple touch elevates the dish and enhances the overall dining experience.
Storing Leftover Roast Chicken
If you find yourself with leftover roast chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
For the best flavor, consume the leftovers within a few days. Leftover chicken can be used in various dishes, from protein bowls to sandwiches, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Reheating the chicken gently in the oven or microwave will help retain its moisture, making it just as enjoyable as the first serving.
Easy Roast Chicken for Thanksgiving
This roast chicken features a flavorful spice blend and is cooked in a preheated oven for about one and a half hours. The recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for a Thanksgiving dinner. Pair it with side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with smashed garlic cloves, quartered onion, and lemon slices.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the pan and brush the melted butter over the chicken skin.
- Roast the Chicken: Transfer the chicken to the middle of the oven and roast for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy chicken.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the delicious pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
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