How to Roast a Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken at home is easier than it seems. You'll find a

detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but
let's go over the basics:

Roasted Chicken Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make the juiciest roast chicken recipe
of your life:

· Chicken: This recipe starts with a 3-pound whole chicken. If your bird is
larger or smaller, you'll need to adjust the recipe.
· Seasonings: This roasted chicken is simply seasoned with salt, black
pepper, and onion powder.
· Butter: Butter (or margarine, if you prefer) locks in moisture and gives the
seasonings something to adhere to.
· Celery: Stuff the chicken cavity with celery for subtle vegetal flavor. Plus, the
celery will release even more moisture as the chicken cooks.

How to Roast a Chicken Step-By-Step

Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you make
homemade roasted chicken:

1. Season the chicken inside and out.

2. Add the butter to the chicken and the pan.
3. Stuff the cavity with celery.
4. Bake until the chicken is fully roasted.

How Long to Roast a Chicken

In an oven preheated to 350 degrees F, a 3-pound whole chicken should be

completely cooked in a little more than an hour. You'll know it's done when the
meat is no longer pink at the bone, the juices run clear, and an instant read
thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (near the bone) reads
165 degrees F.
Roasted Chicken Tips

"Roasting a whole chicken at home requires almost no effort and very few
ingredients," says culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom).
Here are a few of her favorite tips for perfect roasted chicken every time:

· The most important thing to know, according to Nicole: "Dry skin is crispy
skin." Make sure you get the skin nice and dry with a paper towel before you
season the chicken.
· "Don't forget to season the inside as well as the outside," says Nicole, who
recommends also getting under the skin with butter for extra flavor.
· If you don't have a roasting pan, that's totally fine. Nicole prefers using a
simple baking sheet with a rack on top.
· To prevent the wings from burning during the long roasting process, Nicole
tucks them under the bird before sticking the chicken in the oven.