Savory Herb-Infused Roast Chicken
Indulge in this delectable Savory Herb-Infused Roast Chicken recipe that transforms a humble whole chicken into a mouthwatering centerpiece for any dinner. With its tantalizing blend of olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, the chicken emerges from the oven with crisp, golden-brown skin and juicy, flavorful meat. This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees perfectly cooked white and dark meat, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this roast chicken is sure to impress your guests with minimal effort.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken
4.5 lbs (Cleaned, without giblets)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons (As needed for seasoning)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon (As needed for seasoning)
Extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (For rubbing and cooking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place your roasting pan inside to heat up.
2
Thoroughly rinse the whole chicken under cold water, ensuring both the inside and outside are cleaned. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3
Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 diagonal slashes across each thigh to help the heat penetrate and ensure even cooking.
4
Generously rub the entire chicken, including the interior cavity, with olive oil followed by an adequate amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
5
Gently separate the skin from the breast meat using your fingers. Carefully work some olive oil, salt, and pepper into the gaps to enhance flavor and moisture.
6
Fold the wings back and tuck them under the chicken's body. Cross the legs and secure them tightly with kitchen twine to maintain shape during roasting.
7
Carefully remove the hot roasting pan from the oven and place the chicken breast side down into the pan. Roast for 5 minutes to achieve a beautiful sear.
8
After 5 minutes, carefully turn the chicken onto the other breast and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
9
Finally, turn the chicken onto its back and roast for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
10
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before carving and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary ingredient for Savory Herb-Infused Roast Chicken?
The main ingredient is a 4.5 lb whole chicken, cleaned and without giblets.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How many servings does this roast chicken recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Why should I preheat the roasting pan?
Preheating the roasting pan allows for an immediate sear when the chicken is placed inside, helping to lock in flavor and texture.
How should the chicken be prepared before seasoning?
You should thoroughly rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the skin becomes crisp.
Why are slashes made in the chicken thighs?
Making 3 to 4 diagonal slashes across each thigh helps the heat penetrate deeper for more even and efficient cooking.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The chicken is seasoned with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What kind of oil is used for the rub?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How do I ensure the breast meat is flavorful and moist?
Gently separate the skin from the breast meat with your fingers and work olive oil, salt, and pepper into the gaps.
How should the wings and legs be positioned for roasting?
Fold the wings back under the body and cross the legs, securing them tightly with kitchen twine.
How long do I roast the chicken on its breasts?
Roast the chicken breast side down for 5 minutes, then turn it onto the other breast for another 5 minutes to achieve a sear.
What is the final roasting time after the initial searing?
After the initial 10 minutes of searing the breasts, the chicken should roast on its back for approximately 1 hour.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
How long should the chicken rest after being removed from the oven?
The chicken should rest for 5 to 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, this is described as an easy recipe that requires minimal effort to produce impressive results.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe falls under the Roast Chicken category.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
The recipe specifies kosher salt, which is preferred for its texture and distribution when seasoning meats.
What are some of the tags associated with this dish?
The tags include herb-infused, whole chicken, family dinner, and comfort food.
Does this recipe include any nutritional information like calories?
Specific nutritional data such as calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided for this recipe.
What type of pan should be used?
A standard roasting pan is recommended for this recipe.
Should the chicken cavity be seasoned?
Yes, you should generously rub the interior cavity with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
What is the texture of the chicken skin after roasting?
The skin emerges from the oven crisp and golden-brown.
How many ingredients total are needed for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: whole chicken, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Is the chicken dark meat or white meat?
Because it is a whole roast chicken, it provides both juicy white and dark meat.
What is the recommended weight of the chicken?
A chicken weighing approximately 4.5 lbs is ideal for this recipe.
What tool is used to secure the chicken legs?
Kitchen twine is used to secure the legs tightly.
Does the recipe call for fresh ground pepper or pre-ground pepper?
The recipe specifically recommends freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
When was this recipe added to the database?
The recipe was inserted on October 6, 2024.
Is this chicken suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is noted as being perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or family gatherings.
What is the first step of the roasting process after preheating?
The first roasting step is placing the chicken breast side down in the hot roasting pan for 5 minutes.