How to Make Simple Whole Roasted Chicken - A Step-by-Step Guide

Roasting a whole chicken is a simple yet versatile cooking technique that every home cook should have in their arsenal. Not only does it produce a juicy, tender bird with crispy skin, but it also creates the perfect base for a variety of meals. Whether you're looking to enjoy a classic Sunday dinner, create a protein-rich salad or sandwich, or simply have some delicious leftovers for the week, a simple whole roasted chicken is the perfect solution.

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 (4 pound) whole chicken
  • 5 cloves garlic, crushed

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 1 day 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Mix salt, sugar, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until combined. Rub chicken all over with spice mixture. Transfer chicken to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
  • Place chicken, breast-side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Stuff chicken cavity with crushed garlic.
  • Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) and continue roasting for 15 minutes more. Baste chicken with pan drippings; reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and continue roasting for 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Remove from the oven and allow to rest in a warm area for 20 minutes before slicing.
  • Nutrition

    387 cal.

    • Total Fat: 23g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Cholesterol: 129mg
    • Sodium: 900mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 41g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 27mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 371mg