Perfect Roasted Chicken

Are you craving a classic, flavorful roasted chicken that will impress everyone at the dinner table? Look no further! This simple, yet delicious roast chicken recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can achieve a tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crispy skin. Follow these easy steps, and you'll have a mouth-watering dish ready in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 to 2 kg)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 bunch of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This high heat is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy skin.

• Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when roasting. Once dry, rub the entire chicken with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. The oil will not only add flavor but also help the skin crisp up beautifully.

• Season the Chicken

Now, it's time to add flavor! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken, both inside and out. For a deeper flavor, stuff the cavity of the chicken with 4 crushed garlic cloves, 1 lemon cut into wedges, and a bunch of fresh thyme. The lemon and thyme will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors as it roasts.

• Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or baking dish. If you don’t have a rack, you can simply place the chicken directly in the pan. Put the chicken in the preheated oven and roast it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). You can occasionally baste the chicken with its own juices to keep it moist.

• Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Serve the roasted chicken with your favorite side dishes—roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad will complement it beautifully.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Roast Chicken:

• Don't overstuff the chicken—keep the lemon and thyme inside, but avoid packing too much in. This allows hot air to circulate inside the bird for even cooking.
• Basting is optional but can help achieve a juicier result. If you’re short on time, skip it and let the oven do the work.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. Once it reads 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the chicken, it’s ready!

Why This Roasted Chicken Recipe Works:

This recipe is all about simplicity. The combination of garlic, lemon, and thyme brings out the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it. The olive oil ensures a crispy skin, while the roasting process locks in the moisture, making each bite juicy and tender.

Enjoy this easy roasted chicken recipe with your loved ones, and make every meal a celebration! It’s an effortless dish that guarantees satisfaction every time.