5 from 15 votes
Easy Roast Chicken Recipe
This roast chicken recipe uses a 4 to 4 ½ pound whole bird seasoned simply with salt and black pepper. Roasting at 400°F develops a crisp skin and juicy interior. Resting after cooking ensures the meat retains its juices for tender slices.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings:
4
Calories:
705 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
French
Ingredients
- 1 4 to 4 ½ pound chicken for roasting
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and season the inside of the cavity well with salt and pepper.
- Truss the chicken and place in a 10” frying pan, cast iron skillet or cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
- Generously season the outside of the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Place on the middle rack of the oven and cook at 400° for 60 minutes or until the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 162°.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate or cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes or rest before serving. During this time, the chicken will carry over to 165°+.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This roast chicken is best served soon after it finishes cooking for optimal juiciness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated covered for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator for one day before reheating.
- Reheat by placing the chicken in a pan with ½ cup of water, covering it with foil and baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- For juicy results, remove the chicken from the oven when the thigh reaches around 162°F; carryover cooking will bring it to 165°F as it rests.
- Resting the chicken 5 to 10 minutes after roasting allows juices to redistribute, avoiding dry meat.
- Remember to remove the butcher's twine before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
705kcal
(35%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
57g
(114%)
Fat
51g
(78%)
Saturated Fat
15g
(75%)
Cholesterol
285mg
(95%)
Sodium
228mg
(10%)
Potassium
649mg
(14%)
Vitamin A
2791IU
(56%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
33mg
(3%)
Iron
5mg
(28%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 705
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 705kcal | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 57g | 114% |
| Fat | 51g | 78% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 285mg | 95% |
| Sodium | 228mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 649mg | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 2791IU | 56% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.