Roast chicken is one of the most classic, comforting, and easy-to-make dishes. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Sunday roast, a garlic herb-infused chicken, or a spicy lemony version, roasting a whole chicken ensures crispy skin and tender, juicy meat.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best roast chicken recipes, from simple salt-and-pepper seasoning to gourmet-style flavors.
1. Classic Herb Butter Roast Chicken
This golden, crispy roast chicken is packed with flavor thanks to a garlic and herb butter rub.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 lemon (cut in half)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a roasting pan.
- Mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Rub the herb butter under the skin and all over the chicken.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
👉 Tip: Serve with roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
2. Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
This zesty and aromatic roast chicken is infused with fresh lemon and garlic for an extra punch of flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and place in a roasting pan.
- Mix lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken and under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and extra garlic cloves.
- Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.
👉 Tip: Serve with garlic butter rice or steamed veggies!
3. Spicy Paprika Roast Chicken
For a bold, smoky flavor, try this spicy paprika roast chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a roasting pan.
- Mix olive oil, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with juices.
- Let rest before slicing.
👉 Tip: Pair with cornbread and roasted sweet potatoes for a Southern-style feast!
4. Garlic Rosemary Roast Chicken with Vegetables
A one-pan roast chicken meal that’s simple and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 carrots (chopped)
- 3 potatoes (cubed)
- 1 onion (quartered)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large roasting pan.
- Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then rub it over the chicken.
- Add carrots, potatoes, and onions around the chicken.
- Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, stirring vegetables halfway through.
- Let rest, then carve and serve.
👉 Tip: Drizzle with homemade gravy for extra richness!
5. Honey Mustard Glazed Roast Chicken
A sweet and tangy roast chicken with a golden-brown caramelized crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the glaze all over the chicken.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting halfway through.
- Let rest before serving.
👉 Tip: Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts!
6. Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken (Crispy Skin)
For ultra-crispy roast chicken, try this herb-crusted version.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix melted butter, herbs, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
- Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let rest before slicing.
👉 Tip: Pair with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad!
Final Thoughts
Roasting a chicken is one of the easiest ways to create a delicious, impressive meal. Whether you love classic herb flavors, spicy paprika, or sweet honey mustard glazes, these roast chicken recipes will take your cooking to the next level!