How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken Perfectly Roasted Every Time

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a Sunday roast? Let's talk chicken! Ever wondered how long to cook a perfect, juicy whole chicken? This roast chicken recipe is your ticket to Sunday lunch stardom.

We're talking crispy skin and meat so tender it falls off the bone.

Brief Overview

Roast chicken is a classic comfort food. It's been gracing dinner tables for generations. It's proper British, isn't it? Don't be scared, this is surprisingly easy.

A bit of prep, then let the oven do its thing. This easy roast chicken recipe makes enough for 4-6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This isn't just tasty. Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Perfect for a family gathering. Or a cozy night in.

What makes this so special? The focus on getting that internal temperature just right!

So, what you'll need?

Gather Your Arsenal

• Whole chicken (1.3-2.3 kg)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks

Oh my gosh, the smell of thyme with chicken! It reminds me of my nan's kitchen. You know, sometimes I sub rosemary. It's all good!

Prep is Key, My Friend

First, give that chicken a good pat down with paper towels. You're aiming for crispy skin, remember? Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat, making a little pocket.

It's like giving your chicken a sneaky massage. Now, the seasoning! Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Then, rub it all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Don't be shy! Stuff the lemon, thyme, onion, carrots, and celery into the cavity. This infuses amazing flavor from the inside out.

Oven Time: The Main Event

Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack. Pop it into a preheated oven at 220° C for 15 minutes.

This gives it a nice initial sear. Then, turn the oven down to 190° C. Now, we're thinking about those cooking times .

Alright, you've made it this far! We need to check the chicken cooking time by weight . Remember those roasting chicken temperature chart we need?

Cooking Times

Remember these cooking times for how to cook a whole chicken ?

• 1.3 kg chicken: ~ 1 hour 15 minutes
• 1.8 kg chicken: ~ 1 hour 30 minutes
• 2.3 kg chicken: ~ 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours

Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20- 30 minutes. You can't rush perfection.

The Final Check

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken doneness temperature needs to be 74° C. Juices should run clear when you pierce the thigh.

Now, the hardest part...wait! Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This is crucial for juicy meat.

This is the secret on how to cook a whole chicken !

Tips and Tricks

1. Dry Skin = Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning is essential for crispy skin. Don't skip this step!
2. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the chicken has plenty of space in the roasting pan. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of roasting it.
3. Invest in a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. It's a worthy investment.
4. Rest, Rest, Rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Don't be tempted to carve it right away.
5. Use the Pan Drippings: The pan drippings make a fantastic gravy. Strain them, skim off the excess fat, and thicken with a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Ending the Game

Seriously, there's nothing better than a perfect roast chicken on a Sunday. Trust me, this roast chicken recipe is a winner. Give it a go and let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's chat about what you'll need. Honestly, how to cook a whole chicken isn't rocket science. You just need a few basics.

A few simple ingredients and gadgets make all the difference in having a perfect roast chicken recipe .

Main Ingredients

• One whole chicken ( 3-5 lbs / 1.3-2.3 kg ), giblets removed.
• 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon ( 5 g ) salt.
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 g ) black pepper.
• 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 g ) paprika (optional).
• 1 lemon, quartered.
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried).
• 1 onion, quartered.
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped.
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped.

Look for chicken with plump skin. The skin is also important! Avoid ones that look bruised or discolored. A good quality bird makes all the difference.

Seasoning Notes

A simple mix of salt, pepper and thyme is a classic. You can’t go wrong with this combination. I sometimes add a bit of garlic powder to the mix, just for an extra kick.

For a bit of colour, try smoked paprika.

Don't be shy with the seasoning, like, use plenty of salt. If you are in doubt check how much you used, because you don't want a bland bird.

Lemon and thyme are your best friends. They will make the chicken taste amazing, you will see!.

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack.
• Meat thermometer.

You need a roasting pan for this. If you don't have a rack, roughly chopped vegetables can work in a pinch.

Also, invest in a meat thermometer. The internal temperature is super important.

And talking about cooking times , seriously, get one. It's the only way to be sure your chicken doneness temperature is right.

You want to aim for 165° F ( 74° C) . This is really the most important if you want to have a perfect roast chicken .

So yeah, that's it, pretty simple right? I am pretty sure that how long to cook a perfect chicken is as easy as getting this stuff and keep reading!

Conquer the Sunday Roast: Perfecting Your Roast Chicken

Honestly, is there anything better than a perfectly roasted chicken? The crispy skin, the juicy meat, the wafting aroma... it's practically a British institution! But how long to cook a whole chicken can be a bit of a minefield.

Fear not, my friend, I'm here to guide you.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First things first, let's get our act together. Essential mise en place is your friend. We're talking about patting that chicken dry (super important!), chopping those veggies, and having everything ready to roll.

Time saving tip? Chop the veg the day before. Safety first: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?

step-by-step to Golden Goodness: The Roast Chicken Recipe Unveiled

Ready to dive in? Follow these easy steps:

1. Pat your chicken dry. Seriously, really dry. Inside and out.
2. Rub it with 2 tablespoons olive oil . Get in all the nooks and crannies!
3. Season like you mean it. 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper , and 1/2 teaspoon paprika are your starting point.
4. Stuff the cavity with 1 quartered lemon, 4 thyme sprigs, 1 quartered onion, 2 chopped carrots and 2 chopped celery stalks .
5. Roast at 425° F ( 220° C) for 15 minutes , then reduce to 375° F ( 190° C) . This gets the skin going.
6. Baste with pan juices every 20 minutes .
7. Cook for 1 hour 15 minutes for a 3 lb (1.3 kg) chicken , 1 hour 30 minutes for a 4 lb (1.8 kg) chicken , and up to 2 hours for a 5 lb (2.3 kg) chicken .
8. Check the internal temperature ! It needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Roast Chicken Cooking Times : Expert Secrets for the Win

Want to level up your perfect roast chicken game? Here are a few tricks. Basting is crucial. Also, don't open the oven too much.

Don't overcrowd the pan. Give your chicken some space to breathe. One more point to check the chicken doneness temperature , it's a must.

Serving Up Sunshine

Now, the big question: how how to cook a whole chicken that's actually edible? What's more, what do you serve easy roast chicken recipe with? Why not start with a hearty serving of roasted potatoes and parsnips.

Let's tuck in. Enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Right, so you've got your roast chicken recipe sorted. But what about those little extras? Here’s the lowdown!

Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. Picture this: golden, crispy skin, glistening with pan juices. Oh my gosh!. For a rustic look, carve the chicken at the table.

Serve on a platter with your sides. Fancy it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Parsley works a treat.

Roast potatoes and green beans? Classic.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Leftover perfect roast chicken ? Lucky you! Refrigerate it within two hours. Pop it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for 3-4 days.

Freezing is an option. Wrap it well. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently. Microwaving works, but the oven keeps it juicier.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Feeling adventurous? For a gluten-free version, ensure your gravy uses gluten-free stock and thickening agents. Swap out the thyme for rosemary.

It’s divine. Want it dairy-free? Use olive oil instead of butter. For a seasonal twist, use root vegetables in autumn.

Think parsnips and swede.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Let’s break it down. Each serving has roughly 350 calories. It's packed with about 45 grams of protein! Hello, muscle fuel! There’s roughly 18 grams of fat.

Carbs are low at around 5 grams. Remember, these are estimates. It depends on your chicken. It also depends on those cheeky sides you add! Cooking times depend on the size of the bird.

Also, getting the internal temperature just right makes all the difference.

So, there you have it. A few extra pointers. To help you nail that easy roast chicken recipe ! Remember, how long to cook a whole chicken is key.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Have some fun. And remember, even if it's not perfect, it's homemade! You nailed it!