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Perfectly Roasted Whole Chicken

This Perfectly Roasted Whole Chicken is juicy, tender, and full of flavor from butter, fresh herbs, lemons, and oranges. Crispy golden skin and succulent meat make it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions.
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Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken 3.5–4 lbs, giblets removed, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 12 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp parsley
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 orange
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a roasting pan with olive oil.
  • Mix butter with paprika, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Place chicken in the roasting pan. Rub butter mixture under the skin of the breasts and legs, then all over the top and sides.
  • Juice lemons and orange over the chicken, then place rinds in the cavity with extra herb sprigs.
  • Pour water into the pan under the chicken.
  • Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower oven to 350°F and cook for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting once halfway through.
  • Remove from oven and rest 15 minutes uncovered before carving.
  • Slice and serve with your favorite sides.