How do I make the perfect roast chicken?

Learn the secrets to achieving the juiciest and most flavorful roast chicken ever! It's time to impress your taste buds.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make the perfect roast chicken. Items include: Whole chicken Salt Black pepper Lemon Onion Garlic cloves

Whole chicken 1 (about 4 to 5 pounds)
Salt 1 tablespoon
Black pepper 1 teaspoon
Lemon 1
Onion 1
Garlic cloves 3 to 4

Take note
Please be cautious when dealing with raw chicken. Make sure to wash your hands and any surfaces that come into contact with the chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Also, be careful when handling hot equipment and always use oven mitts or gloves.

1

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that your chicken gets that beautiful crispy skin we all crave.

2

Prepare the chicken

Remove any giblets or organs from inside the chicken cavity. Give it a good rinse under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken, making sure to get some on the inside too. This will help season the meat and promote that golden, caramelized skin.

3

Tie the chicken

Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps its shape.

4

Prepare the aromatics

Slice a lemon and an onion into thick rounds. Chop a few cloves of garlic. These aromatic goodies will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.

5

Stuff the cavity

Place the lemon slices, onion rounds, and garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity. This not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

6

Truss the chicken

If you're feeling fancy, you can truss the chicken by tying its wings against its body using kitchen twine. This step is optional but can give your roast chicken a restaurant-worthy presentation.

7

Roast it!

Place the chicken on a roasting rack, breast side up. If you don't have a roasting rack, you can place it directly on a baking sheet. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

8

Rest and carve

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken. Carve it up, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy!