Classic + Basic Roasted Whole Chicken
Classic + Basic Roasted Whole Chicken
Classic. Basic. Delicious. A must-have recipe in every home cook’s kitchen.
There’s something truly comforting about a perfectly roasted chicken — the aroma, the golden skin, the juicy meat, and that pan full of natural drippings that turns into pure gold. While roasting a whole chicken might seem intimidating, it’s truly one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you can make.
This recipe uses simple pantry staples: lemon, olive oil, butter, and dried herbs, plus plenty of salt and pepper to bring out the natural flavors. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all those juices.
Why Spatchcocking Works
Spatchcocking (or butterflying) your chicken is a total game changer:
It reduces cooking time dramatically.
Ensures even roasting and perfectly crispy skin.
Keeps seasoning and juices locked in.
Grab your kitchen shears — it only takes 30 seconds and makes a huge difference. Once you try it, you’ll never go back!
Tip: Check out a quick tutorial online if you’ve never done it before. It’s much easier than you think.
Ways to Use Roasted Chicken
A roast chicken isn’t just a dinner — it’s the start of endless meals! Here are a few ways to use the leftovers:
Toss into Arugula + Pistachio Pesto Chicken Salad for a quick lunch.
Make Crunchy Peanut Chicken Wraps for meal prep.
Add to Roasted Chicken and Leek Soup or Ginger Lemon Roast Chicken Soup for cozy, healing meals.
Or go bold with 20 Garlic Clove Chicken — that sauce is pure luxury.
If you like chicken - check out these recipes.
Pro Tip:
Use leftover chicken bones and drippings to make a rich homemade broth — perfect for soups and sauces later in the week. Nothing goes to waste, and the flavor payoff is huge.
Love simple, delicious meals that make you look like a pro in the kitchen? Follow along on Instagram @whitesparrowfoodco for more cozy recipes, kitchen hacks, and weekly inspiration.
Classic + Basic Whole Roasted Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic + Basic yet delicious and the best recipe to know.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (backbone removed)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 lemon, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425F.
- Place the spatchcock or butterfly whole chicken in a baking pan or on a sheet tray.
- Drizzle the olive oil on top and slather the butter around on top as well (it’s hard to slather the butter evenly on a cold chicken, so just do the best you can). Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, oregano and marjoram on top of the chicken. Place the lemon sliced randomly around the chicken.
- Place the chicken in your preheated oven in the middle rack. Set a timer for 50 minutes.
- The chicken is done when the skin and meat starts to pull away from the drumsticks. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly – at least 25 minutes, before slicing into.
- Shred, cut or place in your refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: chicken
- Method: oven
- Cuisine: dinner
Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @whitesparrowfoodco or #whitesparrowfoodco I’d love to hear what you thought of the recipe!
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