Making a homemade roast chicken can be a wonderful and flavorful meal. Here’s a simple recipe that results in crispy skin and juicy meat:
### Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 bunch fresh thyme or rosemary (or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks (optional)
- 2 potatoes, quartered (optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This helps the skin become crispy during roasting.
2. **Season the Chicken:**
- Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), oregano, and dried thyme.
- Rub minced garlic all over the chicken, focusing on the skin and inside the cavity.
3. **Stuff the Chicken:**
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
- If you prefer, tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
4. **Add Vegetables (Optional):**
- Place the carrots and potatoes in the roasting pan around the chicken. Drizzle a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. **Roast the Chicken:**
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. (General rule: about 20 minutes per pound of chicken.)
- Halfway through, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist.
6. **Check for Doneness:**
- The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
- If you don't have a thermometer, check by cutting between the thigh and body—the juices should run clear, not pink.
7. **Rest the Chicken:**
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices.
### Serve:
Carve the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables or any side dish of your choice.
Enjoy your homemade roast chicken! Let me know if you need any tips on customizing it!
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