Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 lemon, halved
– Optional: Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack inside a roasting pan or a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels, inside and out. Trim any excess fat or skin. Place the chicken breast-side up on the wire rack.
3. **Seasoning Blend:**
– In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
4. **Season the Chicken:**
– Brush the olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken, rubbing it in gently with your hands to adhere to the skin.
5. **Stuffed Lemon:**
– Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon. This will infuse the chicken with a subtle citrus flavor as it roasts.
6. **Roasting:**
– Place the roasting pan with the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to help brown the skin.
7. **Lower Temperature:**
– After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting the chicken for another 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (usually the thigh) reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
8. **Resting Time:**
– Once the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oven. Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
9. **Carving:**
– Carve the oven-grilled whole chicken into desired serving pieces. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
10. **Serving:**
– Serve the oven-grilled whole chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!
This oven-grilled whole chicken is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, offering juicy, tender meat with a crispy, flavorful skin that everyone will love.