Achieve the pinnacle of poultry perfection with this roast chicken recipe. We're talking intensely crispy skin that crackles with each bite, giving way to succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat. This is not just roast chicken; it's an experience.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). (Prep time: 5 minutes)

02

Step

Remove giblet packet from cavity of chicken and pat the bird thoroughly dry with paper towels. A dry bird is key to crispy skin! (Prep time: 5 minutes)

03

Step

Place 1 tablespoon softened butter into chicken cavity, sprinkle salt and black pepper generously into cavity, and stuff cavity with onion, celery, and lemon pieces. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

04

Step

Loosen skin over breast and thigh of chicken with your fingers and insert garlic slices under the skin. This infuses the meat with incredible flavor. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

05

Step

Place the chicken breast side up on a rack set into a roasting pan. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

06

Step

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; add dried parsley and Italian seasoning. (Prep time: 3 minutes)

07

Step

Pour half the butter-herb mixture over the chicken and rub the seasoned butter onto all parts of chicken. Reserve remaining butter mixture. (Prep time: 2 minutes)

08

Step

Roast chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then remove and turn chicken so breast side is down. (Cook time: 20 minutes)

09

Step

Pour remaining half of seasoned butter over the chicken, brushing it over all parts of the bird. Return to oven and roast an additional 10 minutes. (Cook time: 10 minutes)

10

Step

Reduce oven heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Roast chicken until skin is crisp and brown and the juices run clear, about 1 hour and 20 more minutes. (Cook time: 1 hour, 20 minutes)

11

Step

An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh, not touching bone, should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Let chicken rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird. (Rest time: 10 minutes)

For an even deeper flavor, consider brining the chicken for several hours before roasting. A simple brine of salt, sugar, and water works wonders.
Don't discard the pan drippings! They make an incredible base for a pan gravy. Simply whisk in a bit of flour and deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth.
If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the butter mixture. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all excellent choices.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 42 Ratings)

Total Reviews: (10)

Malachi Nikolaus
May 16, 2025
The garlic under the skin is a brilliant touch! So much flavor.
Frederick Quigleyrolfson
Mar 3, 2025
Can I use this method with a larger chicken? If so, how long should I adjust the cooking time?
Madaline Casper
Sep 27, 2024
I was a bit intimidated by the temperature changes, but it was totally worth it. My family devoured it!
Ebony Kris
Sep 1, 2024
My chicken was a little dry, even though I followed the recipe. I think my oven might run hot, so I'll reduce the cooking time slightly next time.
Demond Raynor
Aug 31, 2024
This recipe is a game changer! The skin was unbelievably crispy, and the chicken was so moist. I'll never roast a chicken any other way!
Jocelyn Hills
Aug 4, 2024
Next time I'll try adding some rosemary and thyme to the herb butter.
Vicenta Spencer
Jul 26, 2024
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit! Everyone raved about the crispy skin.
Frank Rosenbaum
Mar 12, 2024
This recipe saved my Sunday night dinner. Thank you!
Evalyn Rutherford
Mar 12, 2024
Simple ingredients, amazing results!
Dereck Heidenreich
Jan 30, 2024
The best roast chicken I've ever made. The high-then-low temperature method is genius.

Best of Both Worlds Roast Chicken