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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » The Best Whole Roast Chicken recipe

    PUBLISHED: March 7, 2021 • By Toni Dash 39 Comments

    The Best Whole Roast Chicken recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    LEMON ROAST CHICKEN with text TITLE

    This Whole Roasted Lemon Chicken is the best kind of comfort food. Always juicy, perfectly cooked skin with the light flavor of lemon throughout. It’s a family loved recipe you’ll love.

    LEMON ROAST CHICKEN with text TITLE

    Having a whole roasted chicken recipe is a staple everyone needs. It’s great on its own but also for making chicken for other recipes (think chicken salad).

    It’s a great Sunday dinner type recipe but also easy enough for a weeknight. The flavor never disappoints and it’s always juicy.

    Serve it up with some Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Garlic and Lemon Garlic Broccoli for an incredible meal. Don’t forget to use the pan juices!

    Jump to:
    • Delicious Lemon Chicken
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • Why Trussing a Chicken is Important
    • How to take the internal temperature of the whole chicken?
    • How long should the whole chicken cook?
    • Cooking Chart – Room temperature chicken
    • Cooking chart – Chilled chicken
    • How to Make it – Step-by-Step
    • Pro Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storing Leftovers
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe

    Delicious Lemon Chicken

    This is the only way we make roasted chicken in my household. And we’ve made it this way for more years than I can count.

    The recipe is easy. Salt and pepper are the only seasonings needed.

    Punctured lemons inserted into the cavity of the chicken flavor the meat oh-so-gently with lemon.

    The chicken is flipped in the middle allowing it to cook perfectly on all sides.

    The last segment of cooking is done with the temperature increased to 400 degrees. This finishes it off and crisps the skin beautifully!

    lemon whole roasted chicken ingredients

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    Whole Chicken. Select between a 3 1/2 to 5 pound whole chicken. Remove the giblets before starting the recipe.

    Lemon. Depending on the size of your chicken one large lemon halved or two small lemons can be used. They’ll be punctured multiple times before being inserted into the chicken.

    Salt and Pepper. A generous amount is used to rub into the inside cavity of the chicken before adding the lemon. It is also rubbed all over the skin outside.

    Why Trussing a Chicken is Important

    What is trussing a chicken?

    It’s a means to secure the wings and legs of a chicken (or any poultry) usually with kitchen twine.

    Why should you truss a chicken?

    It helps the chicken hold its shape while roasting. In this recipe adding the lemons to the chicken’s cavity also helps with this.

    It helps prevent burning of the wing tips and legs by keeping them close to the body.

    The chicken also will finish the roasting process in an appealing form.

    How to truss a chicken?

    Kitchen twine is wrapped around the ends of the legs to hold them in place. Then it is wrapped to the front of the chicken to secure the wings.

    Photos 3 and 4 below illustrate this.

    It’s important not to over tighten the string or pull on the legs. They should just be held in a natural position.

    This step-by-step guide with photos is very helpful if you have not trussed a chicken before.

    roast chicken close lemon

    How to take the internal temperature of the whole chicken?

    The temperature should be taken in the thickest part of the meat. In a whole chicken this is usually the thigh.

    However the thigh can be difficult to locate depending on the orientation of the chicken.

    I usually take the temperature in the breast. In this recipe the final cooking stage has the chicken breast facing up. It’s easy to locate and take a temperature reading.

    If the breast reads 165 degrees it’s done.

    If the breast is at 165 degrees the thigh might be higher, but that’s ok. The thigh being more muscular can reach a higher temperature and still be succulent and tender.

    Be sure not to touch the bone when taking the temperature for the most accurate reading.

    How long should the whole chicken cook?

    There is a bit of math involved with estimating the cooking time. In the end the instant read thermometer will verify it’s done but you’ll need to estimate the time.

    The whole chicken cooks in three segments:

    1. Breast down for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
    2. Breast up at 350 degrees. This is where you’ll adjust the time.
    3. Breast up for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

    The chicken will cook 20-25 minutes per pound.

    If it has been out of the refrigerator before roasting, use the 20 minute guide.

    If the chicken is coming from the refrigerator directly to roast, use the 25 minutes as a guide.

    We’ve done some math for you.

    These charts are estimated times as ovens can cook differently and other factors can come into play. Calculate the time for the exact weight of the chicken being cooked.

    Always use an instant read food thermometer to verify the chicken has cooked to 165 degrees F.

    Cooking Chart – Room temperature chicken

    PoundsBreast Down – 350 degrees (minutes)Breast Up – 350 degrees (minutes)Breast Up – 400 degrees (minutes)Total Cooking Time
    3 1/230202070 minutes
    43030201 hour 20 minutes
    53050201 hour 40 minutes
    For room temperature chicken (not chilled) – estimate 20 minutes/pound

    Cooking chart – Chilled chicken

    PoundsBreast Down – 350 degrees (minutes)Breast Up – 350 degrees (minutes)Breast Up – 400 degrees (minutes)Total Cooking Time
    3 1/23037201 hour 27 minutes
    43050201 hour 40 minutes
    53075202 hours 5 minutes
    For chilled chicken (right out of the refrigerator) – estimate 25 minutes/pound
    roast chicken with lemons

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

    STEP 2. Prepare the whole chicken

    Gently roll the lemon on the counter top and poke it with holes using a toothpick or knife (photo 1).

    Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Generously salt and pepper the inside cavity and outside (photo 2).

    Truss the chicken or secure the legs in a natural position (photos 3 and 4).

    LEMON ROAST CHICKEN RECIPE STEPS 1-4

    STEP 3. Cook the chicken

    Place the prepared chicken in a roasting dish breast down. Cook for 30 minutes (photo 5 – photo 6 shows after cooking).

    Flip the chicken over carefully to not puncture the skin (photo 7).

    NOTE: I use a few paper towels and flip it with my hands avoiding the hot roasting pan.

    Cook for the calculated time for the size of your chicken (refer to charts as a guide).

    Increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 20 minutes. This stage will crisp the skin.

    Check the temperature of the chicken and allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting.

    LEMON ROAST CHICKEN RECIPE STEPS 5-7

    Pro Tips

    Use an Instant Read food thermometer. This is the only way to determine if the chicken is cooked. They are an affordable tool that has many uses! It’s a kitchen staple.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does the roast chicken rest after cooking?

    This step is really important. After cooking allowing meat to ‘rest’ or sit before it’s carved, allows the juices to redistribute. This makes the juiciest result in any type of meat from steaks to burgers to roast chicken!

    How to know the chicken is cooked?

    Using an instant read food thermometer is the fastest and safest way to know chicken is done cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Note: the chicken will continue to rise in temperature by a few degrees once it is removed from the oven.

    Storing Leftovers

    Allow the chicken to cool and store in an airtight container or bag for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

    The lemon chicken can be reheated or served chilled.

    roast chicken close up

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Game Hens
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Vermouth-Braised Lemon Chicken Legs
    • Oven Baked Chicken Breasts with Mexican flavors
    • Roasted Chicken Breasts with Apple Cider and Onions

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    roasted chicken

    The Best Lemon Roasted Chicken

    This simple chicken recipe is the best comfort food there is. Lemons added to the chicken cavity before roasting give the meat a light lemony flavor. This easy method ensures the meat is tender and juicy every time.
    5 from 73 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
    Resting Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
    Servings: 4 serves 4-6 depending on how chicken is cut
    Calories: 410kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 3 ½ to 5 pound whole chicken
    • 1 large lemon cut in half or 2 small lemons
    • Sea salt or kosher salt
    • Pepper freshly ground

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Remove any giblets and rinse chicken inside and outside with cold water; pat dry. Liberally salt and pepper the internal cavity and outside (rub salt and pepper into the internal cavity).
    • Puncture half lemon skins or 2 small lemons several times with a toothpick or thin skewer. Place lemons into internal cavity.
      Truss or secure the legs together with kitchen twine in their natural position (do not over tighten or close the opening to the internal cavity).
    • Place chicken in a roasting pan or baking dish with breast side down. Place in upper third of oven for 30 minutes.
    • Turn chicken over to breast side up, being careful not to puncture the skin. Cook an additional 30 minutes. Refer to the cooking time chart in NOTES or formula for exact time.
      NOTE: Total cooking time should be 20-25 minutes per pound of the chicken so lengthen time at this step to ensure that cooking time.
    • Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Cook an additional 20 minutes.
    • Chicken can be served immediately. Clip the trussing of the legs and quarter or carve the chicken. Also great chilled.

    Video

    Notes

    Cooking times
    Total cooking time should be 20-25 minutes per pound of the chicken so lengthen time at this step to ensure that cooking time.
    We use the guide of 20 minutes per pound if the chicken is not chilled. And 25 minutes per pound if it comes straight out of the refrigerator before cooking.
    Here are general guide temperatures. These are only a guide! Calculate the exact times based on your chicken’s weight and use an internal food thermometer to verify the chicken is done (it should reach 165 degrees).
    Room temperature (not chilled) chicken – 20 minutes a pound
    3 1/2 pound chicken: 30 min + 20 min + 20 min = 70 minutes
    4 pound chicken: 30 min + 30 min + 20 min = 1 hour 20 minutes
    5 pounds chicken: 30 min + 50 min + 20 min = 1 hour 40 minutes
    Chilled chicken – 25 minutes a pound
    3 1/2 pound chicken: 30 min + 37 min + 20 min = 1 hour 27 minutes
    4 pound chicken: 30 min + 50 min + 20 min = 1 hour 40 minutes
    5 pound chicken: 30 min + 75 min + 20 min = 2 hours 5 minutes
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 360mg | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nancy says

      November 02, 2022 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      Wow talk about a juicy and succulent chicken. So tender !

      Reply
    2. Gina Abernathy says

      November 02, 2022 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner last night and it was perfect. I’m having leftovers for lunch and I can’t wait!

      Reply
    3. Tayler says

      November 02, 2022 at 9:21 am

      5 stars
      I made this chicken for dinner last night and it was incredible! So flavorful and definitely going on our regular rotation!

      Reply
    4. Kathryn says

      November 02, 2022 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      This is my kind of dinner! This was the easiest and best roasted chicken I’ve made in a while! It was perfect with a salad and veggies. Adding to our dinner roation!

      Reply
    5. Lily says

      March 18, 2021 at 11:26 pm

      Such a detailed recipe. Easy to follow through and great photos!

      Reply
    6. Neely Moldovan says

      March 17, 2021 at 11:38 am

      Woudl you believe I have never made a roast chicken! I will for sure try this one!

      Reply
    7. Ester says

      March 17, 2021 at 4:25 am

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and it was fantastic. Cooked exactly as described. The skin was delicious and the meat so tender.

      Reply
    8. khoingn says

      March 15, 2021 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you for sharing the recipe! I really like chicken since it’s good for my muscle. Definitely I will have a try of this food and save it in my collection of food&drink.

      Reply
    9. Amanda Livesay says

      March 15, 2021 at 6:29 am

      5 stars
      The best way to cook a chicken! It turns out so juicy and flavorful!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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