7 Easy Roast Chicken to Try

Roast chicken is a classic dish that brings comfort, flavor, and versatility to the dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a simple roast for a busy weeknight or a more complex recipe for a special occasion, these 7 easy roast chicken recipes will elevate your meals without requiring hours of prep. Perfect for any occasion, these recipes offer a variety of seasonings, marinades, and techniques to suit all tastes. So, fire up the oven, grab a whole chicken, and let’s dive into these flavorful, easy-to-make roast chicken recipes.

1. Classic Herb Roasted Chicken

A classic herb-roasted chicken is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a golden-brown, juicy chicken with a fragrant blend of herbs that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon (halved)
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for basting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, and then sprinkle it with chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon, onion, and crushed garlic.
5. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the chicken for an even roast.
6. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting occasionally with melted butter (optional) for a crispier skin.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

This herb-roasted chicken is simple to prepare and is perfect for anyone who loves a traditional, comforting roast. The fresh herbs and citrus add layers of flavor, while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.

2. Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

Lemon and garlic are a classic pairing that adds brightness and depth of flavor to roast chicken. This recipe is a breeze to prepare and provides a fresh, zesty twist to your roast chicken routine.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 6 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano to create the marinade.
3. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

The lemon and garlic combination offers a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. The marinade helps to keep the chicken juicy, while the skin turns golden and crispy.

3. Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken

Honey mustard is a sweet and tangy combination that works wonders on roast chicken. This recipe balances the richness of the chicken with the sweetness of honey and the slight tang of mustard, creating a perfect glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the honey mustard mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

The honey mustard glaze gives the chicken a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that’s perfect for anyone who loves a balance of savory and sweet. It’s a great recipe for a quick dinner that’s full of flavor.

4. Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Vegetables

Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the chicken, while roasting it alongside vegetables creates a one-pan meal that’s both flavorful and easy to clean up.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup baby potatoes (quartered)
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the balsamic mixture all over the chicken, and then place it in a roasting pan.
4. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken in the pan.
5. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
6. Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

This recipe is a complete meal with the chicken and vegetables roasted together in one pan, making it both easy and flavorful. The balsamic vinegar adds a deep, slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory chicken and vegetables.

5. Spicy Cajun Roast Chicken

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, this Cajun-spiced roast chicken is a fantastic choice. The spicy rub creates a flavorful crust on the chicken, with a kick that’s balanced by the tenderness of the meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure it’s coated evenly.
4. Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

The Cajun spices create a flavorful crust that packs a punch. If you love bold, spicy flavors, this roast chicken will hit the spot with its balance of heat and savory richness.

6. Roast Chicken with Stuffing

For a heartier meal, roast your chicken with a savory stuffing inside. The stuffing absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, creating a mouthwatering, satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably stale)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sage
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with breadcrumbs, chicken broth, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff the chicken cavity with the stuffing and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
5. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.

Why It’s Perfect:

Stuffing the chicken adds flavor and moisture, creating a rich, comforting meal. This roast chicken is ideal for special occasions like Thanksgiving or family dinners.

Conclusion:

Roast chicken is one of the most versatile dishes you can prepare, and with these 7 easy recipes, you can bring a variety of flavors to your table. Whether you’re craving something classic, tangy, spicy, or comforting, there’s a roast chicken recipe for every palate. These recipes are perfect for any day of the week, offering both ease of preparation and incredible flavor.

Call to Action: Which roast chicken recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your chicken creations with us on social media! Happy roasting!