Roasted Chicken
Crispy skin, tender juicy meat, legs cooked through.
90 min total, leftovers hold 3 days, feeds 4+2
Timing: 1h 30m
Roasted Chicken
Crispy skin, tender juicy meat, legs cooked through.
90 min total, leftovers hold 3 days, feeds 4+2
Timing: 1h 30m
Key move
A simple roast chicken is the hardest dish to perfect because the breast dries out at 150°F while the legs need 175°F.
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The Setup
- Cast Iron Skillet12-inch
- Instant-Read Thermometer
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Tongs
The Mise en Place
2Your prep station before cooking begins
The Protein (0/2)
My kitchen is filling with smoke!
That's usually the chicken fat splattering and burning. A simple trick is to place some chopped vegetables like potatoes or carrots underneath the bird; they'll catch the fat. Alte…
My chicken breast is dry and tough.
Ah, the classic dry breast. That just means it got a little too much heat for too long. Invest in a digital thermometer; it's your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. Forget…
Chef's Notes
Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before roasting for crispier skin.
Place chicken on a rack in the roasting pan to allow air circulation for even cooking and browning.
Serve with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips for a complete meal.
Rub under the skin with softened butter mixed with herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.
The Method
TEMPER
Pull chicken (1 whole) from fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Uneven cooking: Do not skip this, or the breast meat will overcook while the center remains cold.
Chicken is out of the fridge and at room temperature.
DRY & SALT
Time-sensitivePaper towel the skin until bone dry. SALT liberally.
Uneven seasoning: Salt patches will cause uneven browning; ensure the entire surface is covered.
Chicken skin is completely dry to the touch and liberally seasoned with salt.
TRUSS
Tie the legs together and tuck the wings under.
Slippage: Ensure the twine is knotted tightly; loose string can unravel during roasting.
Chicken legs are tied together and wings are tucked under the body.
BLAST
Time-sensitiveROAST at 450°F (230°C). Yes, high heat.
Carryover cooking: Do not exceed 160°F in the breast; the internal heat will continue to rise while resting.
Don't touch it for 50-60 mins. Skin should be deep golden brown. Internal temp: 160°F in the breast (carryover will take it to 165°F).
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