Super Simple Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe (2024)

If you think you don’t know how to roast a whole chicken in the oven, this recipe is for you. Simple whole roasted chicken recipe can be made with pantry staples and requires very little prep in exchange for tons of flavor!

Years ago, as a new wife, I used to only buy whole roasted chicken in the deli at the grocery store.

I figured it was roughly the same price and less work than doing it myself.

Little did I know that I’d be hooked after roasting my own chicken at home just once!

What’s to love about making oven roasted chicken at home?

• Ability to choose the size and quality of chicken
• Having control over the spices and flavor
• The aroma of spices and juicy chicken filling my kitchen (hungry yet?)

And those are just a few reasons I now prefer to roast chicken in the oven any time I can.

What to look for when buying whole chicken

I buy a whole chicken about once a month when there’s a good sale on quality chicken at our local grocery store.

When I can find a good price on free-range organic chicken, I go for it.

I’m not 100% all organic, all the time.

Trust me, I know there’s a price difference on organic chicken and it’s not that subtle.

But I could NOT believe the difference I noticed in the flavor and juiciness of the organic/free range chicken.

So anytime you can work it into the budget or find a great deal –

– roasted organic chicken is definitely worthwhile.

Less veins and gristle, more tender chicken = deliciousness.

This post likely contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more info.

*My absolute favorite organic chicken comes from ButcherBox.

You can read my full review of ButcherBox here.

What size chicken should you use?

You can use any size chicken for this recipe.

Mine are usually in the 3.5 to 5-pound range.

You will simply need to keep an eye on the temperature and adjust the time according to the weight (see recipe).

We like this thermometer for checking internal temp on all our meats.

You’ll get more bang for your buck – and save time later – by buying a larger chicken.

Shred and save the leftovers for other meals!

And- Don’t pass up the chicken stock

Don’t forget to save the carcass (appealing word to use in a recipe, right?)-

-for making homemade stock later on.

Just throw it in a gallon ziplock bag and freeze it whole if you don’t have time to make stock right away.

You’ll be glad you did.

There is no comparison to stock made from chicken in your own kitchen, trust me!

(And it’s practically free.)

>>Get more meal planning help here.

How to make Simple Whole Roasted Chicken

Below are the ingredients list and step-by-step instructions for making this whole roasted chicken recipe in the oven.

Recipe card is included at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

• One 2.5 to 3 lb chicken
• 2.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 TBSP melted butter OR olive oil

Instructions: Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

#1. Rinse and pat chicken dry and place in baking pan.

I love my Pampered chef stoneware baking dish for this.

But you could also use a cast iron skillet or a dutch oven.

Any kind of heavy-bottomed pan will help give the chicken a crispy outer layer.

Don’t forget to remove the package of giblets and/or the neck, if included.

#2. Gather your spices:

Paprika, onion powder, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt and black pepper.

You can totally experiment with your favorite spices!

#3. Mix spices together in a small bowl:

Approximately: 2.5 teaspoons paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp rosemary leaves; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt.

#4. Baste chicken:

Using 3 tablespoons of melted butter OR 3 tablespoons of olive oil. (I prefer butter.)

Note: you may want to leave your chicken on the counter for approximately 30 minutes before prepping.

If the chicken is TOO cold, your melted butter will congeal which makes it harder to rub the spices around evenly.

(You won’t have this issue with olive oil, though.)

#5. Sprinkle/rub spices all over chicken.

Start with the back side, then turn chicken over and coat entire bird, leaving breast side up.

Try to distribute spices evenly, but you especially want a good coating over the breast.

#6. Place in oven preheated to 375 degrees F.

Bake until chicken reaches 165 internal temperature.

This is usually about 1.25 to 1.5 hours for a 3.5 lb chicken.

You can baste chicken in the pan juices towards the end of the cooking (about 45 minutes in).

Just wait until the spices have mostly baked onto the chicken so that you’re not effectively rinsing them all off!

I usually baste the chicken with the pan juices again before carving it.

#7. Let rest for 5 minutes; carve and enjoy!

Freeze any leftover shredded chicken for up to approximately 6 months.

You might also like:

ButcherBox Review: Organic chicken (and much more), delivered!

How to Meal Plan Consistently (and save money)

Turkey and Rice Soup (perfect “get well” soup)

Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon

Favorite Slow Cooker Meals (that you can freeze ahead)

Quick and Easy Dinners you won’t need a recipe to make