Roast Chicken is that type of dish that never goes out of style. It is simple, flavorful, and appeals to all tastes. Whether for a Sunday lunch or a special occasion, it always makes an appearance with its crispy exterior and juicy meat inside.
But although it may seem easy, there are secrets to making roast chicken truly delicious. In this article, you will learn the classic recipe, discover valuable tips, explore incredible variations, understand the best marinade, and even the correct position for roasting the chicken in the oven.
Get ready to transform your kitchen with this delight!
Classic Roast Chicken Recipe
Let’s start with the basics, the traditional roast chicken recipe that never fails.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 2 kg)
- 5 crushed garlic cloves
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Sprigs of rosemary and thyme
- 1 onion cut into four parts
Method of Preparation:
- Wash the chicken thoroughly, remove the giblets, and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the garlic, lemon, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Rub this mixture all over the roast chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Place the onion, rosemary, and thyme inside the chicken cavity.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Ideally, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 200 °C.
- Place the chicken, breast side up, on the baking tray.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until nicely browned. In the last 15 minutes, increase the temperature to 220 °C to crisp the skin.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes before carving, and serve.
Golden Tips for an Irresistible Roast Chicken
Take note of these valuable and simple tips to make your roast chicken
- Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking so that it cooks evenly.
- Use a rack or place the chicken on top of vegetables (such as onion or carrot) to prevent it from cooking in its own juices.
- Brush melted butter or olive oil over the skin before and during roasting to ensure crispiness.
- Do not cover with aluminum foil all the time, as this prevents the skin from browning. If used, remove during the last 30 minutes.
- Baste the chicken every 30 minutes with the juices that form in the baking tray to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Tie the legs with kitchen twine; this helps maintain an attractive shape and even cooking.
- Season inside the cavity as well to intensify the flavor within the chicken.
- Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage to the marinade or on top of the chicken.
- Do not overdo the liquids in the pan; excess juice prevents the skin from crisping up.
- Use a culinary thermometer, if possible. The ideal internal temperature is 75 °C.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes outside the oven before carving, to maintain juiciness.
- Avoid opening the oven constantly, as this disrupts the cooking process and the formation of a golden crust.
- For extra flavor, place a whole lemon inside the chicken cavity before roasting.
- Make small cuts between the skin and the meat and stuff with seasoned butter. This ensures extra flavor directly into the meat.
- Use smoked paprika or annatto to give the chicken more color without burning the skin.
- Add a bit of white wine or vegetable broth to the bottom of the baking tray; this forms a delicious sauce.
Delicious Variations of Roast Chicken
One of the advantages of roast chicken is its versatility. You can create countless variations with simple and tasty ingredients.
Roast Chicken with Potatoes
The classic combination everyone loves! The potatoes turn golden and absorb the flavor of the chicken, creating a complete dish.
How to make:
- Cut 4 potatoes into medium pieces.
- Season with salt, olive oil, and rosemary.
- Place them around the chicken on the baking tray.
- Drizzle with some of the marinade.
- Roast together with the chicken for the last 50 minutes.
Stuffed Roast Chicken
Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress.
Stuffing suggestion with farofa:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 cup of cassava flour
- Chopped olives
- Salt and chopped parsley to taste
Sauté everything in butter and stuff the chicken cavity. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine before roasting.
Barbecue Roast Chicken
After 1 hour in the oven, brush barbecue sauce over the chicken and return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. It turns out slightly sweet and smoky.
Roast Chicken with Vegetables
Add carrots, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the baking tray. Besides being flavorful, the dish becomes super colorful.
The Best Marinade for Roast Chicken
The marinade is what transforms a simple roast chicken into something memorable. It tenderizes, flavors, and infuses aroma into the meat.
Ideal Marinade Recipe:
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of mustard
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
Mix everything in a jar and apply generously over the chicken. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will have!
Tip: Also apply some of the marinade under the skin, carefully, so that the seasoning penetrates better.
What is the Correct Position for Roasting Chicken and Why Does it Matter?
The position in which you roast the roast chicken directly affects the texture of the meat and the crispiness of the skin.
Chicken with the Breast Side Up:
This is the best position, and here’s why:
- The breast cooks the fastest and tends to dry out easily.
- Roasting with the breast side up exposes it to more intense heat, resulting in better browning.
- With the cavity facing down, the heat penetrates better and the interior cooks evenly.
- The skin on the breast becomes crispier.
Bonus Tip: For more precise roasting, use a rack on the baking tray. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken and helps the skin become even crispier.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Roast Chicken
1. What is the ideal temperature for roasting chicken?
The ideal is to roast in a preheated oven at 200 °C. In the last 15 minutes, increasing to 220 °C helps the skin become crispier.
2. How long does it take to roast a whole chicken?
A chicken of approximately 2 kg takes about 1h30 to 1h45. The time may vary depending on the size of the bird and the oven’s power.
3. Can I use frozen chicken for roasting?
Yes, but it must be completely thawed before roasting. Ideally, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
4. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before roasting?
It is not mandatory, but it makes a big difference in flavor and tenderness. Ideally, let it marinate for at least 6 hours.
5. How can you tell if the chicken is well-roasted inside?
The liquid that comes out when piercing the thickest part should be clear. If you have a thermometer, the ideal internal temperature is 75 °C.
6. Do I need to turn the chicken during roasting?
No, you don’t. Roasting with the breast side up and using a rack allows for better heat circulation and even cooking.
7. Can I use another type of meat in the same recipe?
Yes, the same seasonings work well with thighs, drumsticks, and even with chicken cut into pieces.
8. Can you make roast chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Just use smaller pieces, such as thighs or drumsticks, and roast at 200 °C for about 30 to 40 minutes, turning halfway through.
9. What should I do if the chicken browns too quickly?
If it starts browning before the expected time, lightly cover with aluminum foil and continue roasting. Remove the foil in the final 20 minutes.
10. How do I reuse leftover roast chicken?
Shred it and use it in pies, salads, couscous, wraps, sandwiches, or casseroles. It’s versatile and great for saving money.
Conclusion
After so many tips and recipes, it’s easy to understand why roast chicken is such a beloved dish. Whether in the classic version, with potatoes, stuffed, or with creative variations, it is always a winning option. By perfecting the marinade, carefully positioning it in the oven, and using simple ingredients, you ensure a spectacular result.
Now it’s up to you: choose your favorite version, follow the step-by-step, and enjoy all the flavor that a good roast chicken can offer. If you want to impress even more, try serving it with a crispy farofa, fluffy rice, and a fresh salad.
READ ALSO:
- Learn How to Make Alfajor at Home
- Natural Yogurt: Discover the Benefits and How to Make It at Home
- Vaca Atolada: A Classic of Brazilian Cuisine
- Petit Gateau Recipe: Learn How to Make It at Home
JOIN OUR RECIPE GROUP
WE ARE ON PINTEREST
I hope you enjoyed it