Achieving the title of “Best Chicken Ever” often comes down to personal preference and the flavors you enjoy. However, here’s a simple and delicious recipe for roast chicken that many people love:
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds) 2-3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 lemon, cut in half 4-5 garlic cloves, smashed A handful of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and/or sage) Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it all over the skin. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside.
- Squeeze the juice from one lemon half all over the chicken and place the squeezed lemon half inside the chicken cavity.
- Stuff the cavity with smashed garlic cloves and a handful of fresh herbs. You can also add additional lemon halves or other aromatics like onion or carrot if you like.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly and keep its shape.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear when you insert a knife or meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes.
This simple roast chicken recipe is a classic and can be a contender for the title of “Best Chicken Ever” due to its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, or marinades to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!