How to make the perfect roast chicken

Roasted chicken never fails to impress, but it's surprisingly simple to make! This juicy roasted chicken recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and old pros alike.

How to Roast a Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken at home is easier than it seems. You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Roasted Chicken Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make the juiciest roast chicken recipe of your life:

· Chicken: This recipe starts with a 3-pound whole chicken. If your bird is larger or smaller, you'll need to adjust the recipe.
· Seasonings: This roasted chicken is simply seasoned with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
· Butter: Butter (or margarine, if you prefer) locks in moisture and gives the seasonings something to adhere to.
· Celery: Stuff the chicken cavity with celery for subtle vegetal flavor. Plus, the celery will release even more moisture as the chicken cooks.

How to Roast a Chicken Step-By-Step

Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade roasted chicken:

1. Season the chicken inside and out.
2. Add the butter to the chicken and the pan.
3. Stuff the cavity with celery.
4. Bake until the chicken is fully roasted.

How Long to Roast a Chicken

In an oven preheated to 350 degrees F, a 3-pound whole chicken should be completely cooked in a little more than an hour. You'll know it's done when the meat is no longer pink at the bone, the juices run clear, and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (near the bone) reads 165 degrees F.

Roasted Chicken Sides

Looking for delicious inspiration? Explore our collection of 30 Best Side Dishes for Chicken, No Matter How You Cook It. These are a few of the mouthwatering collections you'll find:

· Simple Broccolini
· Garlic Mashed Potatoes
· Roasted Butternut Squash

How to Store Roasted Chicken

Allow your leftover roast chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or in the microwave.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"The chicken had a very nice flavor and was very juicy and tender," says OT. "The only thing I changed is using two stalks of celery instead of one. I'm definitely going to make this chicken again and I may add garlic and thyme next time."

"The family LOVES it — it's always juicy and tender," raves one Allrecipes community member. "The gravy from the drippings is perfect. It's become part of the regular rotation."

"I made some changes, but this is my favorite way to make chicken," says kitty28806. "I add butter under the skin mixed with seasoning. Comes out perfectly."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed

• salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste

• ½ cup butter or margarine

• 1 stalk celery, leaves removed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Place chicken in a roasting pan; season generously inside and out with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place 3 tablespoons of butter in chicken cavity; arrange dollops of remaining butter on the outside of chicken. Cut celery into 3 or 4 pieces; place in the chicken cavity.

3. Bake chicken uncovered in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

4. Remove from the oven and baste with drippings. Cover with aluminum foil and allow to rest for about 30 minutes before serving.

   
   
   Meredith Food Studio

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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Nutrition FactsServings Per Recipe 6Calories 423% Daily Value *Total Fat 32g41%Saturated Fat 7g37%Cholesterol 97mg32%Sodium 662mg29%Total Carbohydrate 1g0%Dietary Fiber 0g1%Total Sugars 1gProtein 31gVitamin C 0mg2%Calcium 28mg2%Iron 2mg9%Potassium 305mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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