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Whole Roasted Chicken

Flavorful Whole Roasted Chicken for Perfect Family Dinners

This whole roasted chicken recipe transforms a simple bird into a succulent feast that evokes nostalgia and brings family together.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole Whole Chicken 4-5 lbs, high quality for best results
For the Seasoning
  • 4 teaspoons Salt Adjust to your taste
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika Adds smokiness
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Sweet-savory taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Fresh thyme can be used
  • 1 teaspoon White Pepper Provides gentle heat
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Optional, for mild heat
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to preference
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses rich flavor
For the Preparation
  • ¼ cup Room Temperature Butter For rubbing on chicken

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to a gentle 250°F (120°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, white pepper, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Gently rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with quartered lemons for added flavor.
  5. Rub the chicken with room temperature butter, coating the skin thoroughly.
  6. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the entire chicken.
  7. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 5 hours, checking the internal temperature after 3 hours.
  8. Every hour, rotate the roasting pan and baste the chicken with its juices.
  9. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-20 minutes before carving.
  10. Carve the chicken and serve alongside your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 1000mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an even more flavorful experience, consider using fresh herbs in the cavity instead of lemons and baste periodically during roasting for enhanced juiciness.

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