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Easy Whole Roasted Chicken

A simple yet delicious roast chicken recipe that fills your home with a wonderful aroma, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds) 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • to taste Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves and crushed garlic.
  5. If using fresh herbs, add them to the cavity as well.
Cooking
  1. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked and let it rest after roasting to keep the juices inside. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.