Juicy Rotisserie Chicken (Print Version)
Succulent golden-roasted whole chicken with crispy skin and tender meat, perfect for family dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 whole chicken (3.5–4 lbs), giblets removed
→ Marinade & Seasoning
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tsp kosher salt
04 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 tbsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp onion powder
08 - 1 tsp dried thyme
09 - 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
10 - 1 lemon, halved
11 - 4 garlic cloves, smashed
→ Optional Aromatics
12 - 1 small onion, quartered
13 - Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley sprigs)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F or prepare a rotisserie grill according to manufacturer's instructions.
02 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs gently with your fingers.
03 - In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
04 - Rub half the seasoning mixture under the skin, and the rest all over the outside of the chicken.
05 - Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, smashed garlic, optional onion quarters, and fresh herb sprigs.
06 - Truss the chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under.
07 - If using a rotisserie spit: Secure the chicken on the spit according to your rotisserie's directions. Roast for 1 hour 10–20 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F and the juices run clear.
08 - If roasting in the oven: Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
09 - Remove the chicken and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10–15 minutes before carving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The skin gets impossibly crispy while the meat stays absurdly juicy without any fancy equipment
- One bird feeds us for dinner plus leftover lunches that actually taste better the next day
02 -
- Letting the chicken air dry in the fridge for even a few hours before seasoning creates the crispiest skin imaginable
- A meat thermometer takes all the guesswork out and prevents overcooking the breast while waiting for thighs to finish
03 -
- Bring the chicken to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for more even cooking
- Roast vegetables on the rack below the chicken to catch all the flavorful drippings