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–+ servings
Close up square image of finished chicken garnished with parsley in roasting pan.
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Whole Roasted Chicken

When it comes to an easy dinnertime meal, this Whole Roasted Chicken is super flavorful and a hit with the whole family.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 40 minutes
Rest Time:20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Chicken, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 474kcal
Author: Tornadough Alli

Ingredients

  • 4 –5-pound whole chicken
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 onion quartered

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Pat chicken dry all over with paper towel.
  • In a small bowl, add all the spices and mix well.
  • Season the inside of the cavity of the chicken.
  • Fill the cavity with the onion wedges.
  • Mix 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mixture with the butter.
  • Push this seasoned butter under the skin of the breast.
  • Place the chicken on a rack in a baking pan big enough to contain the chicken then rub all over with the remaining seasoning.
  • Bake, uncovered, in the oven for 20 minutes per pound. Turn the oven up to 450°F when there is 20 minutes of cooking time left.
  • Use an instant read thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone), it needs to have reached 165 degrees F.
  • Use a tent foil over the chicken and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
  • Serve with your favorite sides and gravy if desired.

Notes

  1. Make sure you are using a 4-5 pound chicken for this.
  2. You do not have to tie the legs together, but you absolutely can if you'd like.
  3. We find the best temperature to cook this at is 350, then we hike it up at the end to 450 to crisp up the skin.
  4. Make sure that you cover with foil after baking and let it rest for at least 20 minutes so the juices stay inside the chicken.
  5. You can make your own gravy from the drippings, or use any of your favorite store bought gravy if desired.
  6. Make sure you really get under the skin with the butter and seasoning mixture so you have that flavor really concentrated around.
  7. Serve with any of your favorite side dishes.
  8. This can be frozen, see above on how to do that.

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 821IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg