Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 4-6 garlic cloves, smashed
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, or your preferred herbs
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine (for the pan)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken cavity with salt and pepper.
- Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs inside the cavity.
Tie the Legs (Optional):
- If desired, tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Season the Chicken:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, and use your hands to rub it evenly all over the skin.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large roasting pan or on a baking sheet, spread out the quartered onion, carrot chunks, and celery chunks. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan, breast-side up.
- Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the pan. This will create steam and help keep the chicken moist during roasting.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer.
Rest and Carve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken.
- Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
Enjoy your homemade juicy roasted chicken, a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for gatherings or a comforting family dinner.