Skip to main content

Easy Roast Chicken with Fresh Herbs

Image

My Favorite Roast Chicken Recipe for Cozy Fall Evenings

When the air turns crisp and the evenings arrive a little earlier, I find myself turning back to comforting, oven-baked meals. One of my all-time favorites is roast chicken. It’s simple to prepare, yet it fills the house with the most inviting aroma and delivers a meal that feels both homey and special.

A roasted chicken in a baking dish with legs tied with twine.

This is my go-to roast chicken recipe — one you'll return to again and again when you want a meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and just a little indulgent. With just a few pantry staples, plus optional fresh herbs, you’ll have a chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely irresistible.

Jump to Recipe

Why This Roast Chicken Works

  • Simple but flavorful – Olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper bring out the best in the chicken.

  • Seasoned inside and out – Adding seasoning under the skin makes all the difference.

  • Flexible – Use fresh herbs, garlic, or citrus if you have them, or keep it pared down and simple.

  • Perfect for leftovers – Slice for sandwiches, shred into soups, or enjoy cold with a salad.


Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, approximately 5 pounds

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning 

  • 1 Tablespoon minced fresh rosemary (optional)

  • Optional additions for extra flavor:

    • A bunch of fresh parsley and rosemary (left on the stems)

    • 1 whole onion, cut into chunks

    • 1 carrot cut into chunks

    • 1 stalk of celery, cut into chunks

    • 4–6 whole garlic cloves

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Remove the giblets. Rinse the chicken with cool water and pat it dry.

  3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.

  4. Mix together the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning (or rosemary), and garlic powder.

  5. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken.

  6. Season the inside of the chicken with about half the seasoning mixture. Stuff the cavity with parsley, rosemary, onion chunks, and garlic cloves (if using).

  7. Loosen the skin over the breast and legs by gently sliding your fingers underneath. Spread about ½ teaspoon of the seasoning mixture under the skin — this step takes the flavor to the next level.

  8. Rub the remaining seasoning over the outside of the chicken.

  9. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

  10. Place the chicken in the oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 185°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Begin checking after one hour. I like my chicken falling off the bone.

  11. Baste the chicken occasionally while it roasts for extra crispness and flavor.

  12. Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.

Tips for the Juiciest Roast Chicken

  • Loosen the skin and season– Getting a little seasoning under the skin makes every bite flavorful.

  • Baste often – Spoon pan juices over the chicken a few times as it roasts.

  • Use a thermometer – It takes the guesswork out of knowing when your chicken is done.

  • Rest before carving – This step locks in the juices.

Serving Suggestions

This roast chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides:

  • Roasted vegetables (try carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts)

  • Creamy mashed potatoes or my Creamy Cauliflower Mash

  • A crisp green salad

And don’t forget: save the bones and carcass to make a homemade chicken stock. Nothing goes to waste, and you’ll have a flavorful base for soups all season long.

Try my minestrone soup recipe. You'll love it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different seasonings?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. For a different flavor, you can swap Italian seasoning for dried thyme, sage, or even smoked paprika.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem. The basic recipe with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is still delicious. The extras just add a little more depth.

How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. The temperature should reach 185°F for fully cooked chicken.

How do I store leftovers?
Cooled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover chicken is perfect for soups, casseroles, chicken salad, or simply sliced into sandwiches.

Final Thoughts

Roast chicken is the kind of meal that feels timeless — cozy, comforting, and always welcome at the table. With this recipe, you’ll get perfectly seasoned meat, crispy skin, and a dish that works for both a casual weeknight dinner and a special Sunday meal.


My Favorite Roast Chicken with Fresh Herbs

chicken dinner, baked chicken, how to roast chicken
dinner
American
Yield: 6 servings
Author: Donna Urso
Easy Oven Roasted Chicken with Fresh Herbs

Easy Oven Roasted Chicken with Fresh Herbs

A simple, flavorful recipe for perfect oven-roasted chicken every time.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 2 HourTotal time: 2 H & 10 M

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Remove the giblets. Rinse the chicken with cool water and pat it dry.
  3. Place the chicken in your roasting pan.
  4. Mix together the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  5. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken. Season the inside of the chicken with approximately half of the seasoning mixture and stuff with the sprigs of parsley and rosemary, chunks of onion and 4-6 whole garlic cloves.
  6. Now comes the key step. Run your fingers under the skin on the breast and legs to loosen.
  7. Spread approximately 1/2 tsp of the seasoning mixture under the loosened skin. Placing seasoning under the skin really makes a difference on the deliciousness scale.
  8. Rub the rest of the seasoning over the outside of the chicken. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine.
  9. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature is 185 degrees F.
  10. Baste the chicken occasionally while it roasts. Begin checking the internal temperature of the chicken after one hour.
  11. Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cooking time seems to vary greatly from bird to bird, how much you stuff in the cavity, or how long your chicken has sat out of the refrigerator before roasting.

Start checking the temperature using a meat thermometer around 90 minutes of cooking.

Recommended Products

Turkey Baster

Knife Set

Roasting Pan

Nutrition Facts

Calories

321

Fat (grams)

24 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

6 g

Carbs (grams)

2 g

Fiber (grams)

1 g

Net carbs

1 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

24 g

Sodium (milligrams)

1253 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

95 mg

Nutrional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Crispy Oven-Fried Boneless Chicken Thighs

Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

Oven Roasted Chicken

https://www.justonedonna.com/2016/11/how-to-make-perfect-roasted-chicken.html
©Just One Donna

It's easy to add me as a preferred source on Google, so my latest updates show up first in your search results and AI Overviews!

Add Just One Donna as Preferred Source

Comments

Post a Comment

Talk to me. I welcome your comments. (These comments are strictly moderated. Spammers take note.)

More Popular Posts

Traditional New England Whoopie Pies

These old-fashioned whoopie pies are soft, chocolatey, and filled with a rich, creamy filling, just like the ones many of us remember. What is an original New England Whoopie Pie? This is a true New England-style recipe. If you’re looking for a true whoopie pie recipe—the kind made in New England with a cooked filling—this is it. Whoopie pies are a beloved treat, a nostalgic dessert that evokes childhood memories and continues to delight today. My mom would make them for us every once in a while. Oh, what a treat to come home from school to a platter of chocolate whoopie pies! This recipe, inspired by traditional Maine-style whoopie pies, comes from my family recipe box. It delivers soft, chocolatey cakes with a rich, creamy cooked filling, no marshmallow fluff needed! The Best Whoopie Pies Recipe (Soft Cakes & Creamy Filling) This post includes affiliate links. Whoopie pies are essentially handheld cake sandwiches: soft, round, cake-like cookies embracing a ...
11 comments
Read more

Rum Punch for a Party

Easy Rum Punch Recipe (Perfect Party Cocktail) Looking for an easy rum punch recipe for a party? This fruity rum punch is made ahead, full of tropical flavor, and perfect for summer gatherings. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re sitting by the water with your toes in the sand. One sip and you’re there. Why This Rum Punch Is Perfect for Entertaining Jump to Recipe This is one of those recipes that just makes hosting easier. Make it ahead : mix it before guests arrive Serves a crowd : easy to double or triple It's No-fuss : no mixing drinks all afternoon It has a Bright, tropical flavor everyone loves If you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or holiday gathering, this one always works. Rum Punch Ingredients This classic rum punch uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients: Lime juice Grenadine Spiced rum Light rum or coconut rum Pineapple juice Orange juice Optional garnish: Pi...
4 comments
Read more

Artisan Bread in Your Bread Machine

Finally. Artisan Bread from Your Bread Machine Yes, Really. If you want to make artisan-style bread using your bread machine, the secret is simple: use the dough cycle, then bake the loaf in a preheated Dutch oven. This method gives you a crisp crust and chewy crumb without any hand kneading. If you use your bread machine regularly, you already know what it does well. It mixes, kneads, and handles the first rise beautifully. It is a dependable helper in the kitchen. What it does not do especially well is produce that deep golden, crackly crust we associate with artisan bread. The good news is you do not need to give up the ease of your bread machine to get that result. You simply need to change how the bread is baked. Today I’m showing you how to use your bread machine’s dough cycle and bake the loaf in a Dutch oven for a crusty, bakery-style result.
Post a Comment
Read more

Coffee and Dessert-A Perfect Pairing

3 Easy Coffee Drinks to Make at Home (Perfect with Dessert) Coffee and dessert just belong together. Not in a fussy, go-out-to-a-restaurant kind of way… but in that simple end-of-the-day moment when you want something a little special without making a big production out of it. The good news? You don’t need any special equipment to make a really good “dessert coffee” at home. If you can brew a strong cup of coffee and warm a little milk, you’re already halfway there. In this post, I’m going to show you three easy coffee drinks you can make in your own kitchen, and exactly what to serve with them when you want that coffee shop feel without leaving the house.
55 comments
Read more

How to Make a Perfect Bacon and Eggs Breakfast

In my opinion, the best breakfast consists of two perfectly fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast made with hearty bread. This bacon and eggs recipe delivers. Bacon and eggs or eggs and bacon? No matter, it is definitely the breakfast you want on those lazy mornings when you have time to relax around the kitchen table, drinking a cup of coffee or two. The Best Bacon and Eggs Breakfast (This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.  When you make a purchase using these links you help support this blog.) How to Cook Bacon and Eggs My technique was learned from my mom, by watching her make our family's breakfast over and over again, year after year.  This is a basted egg recipe which means the eggs are cooked in bacon grease. Cooking eggs in bacon fat is easy and takes just a little practice to perfect.
3 comments
Read more

The Best Asian Dipping Sauce You'll Ever Taste

If you're looking for a versatile, easy-to-make Asian dipping sauce perfect for sushi and dumplings, then you've come to the right place. This recipe for the best Asian dipping sauce is perfect for any time you want a  kick of delicious Asian flavor. An Asian Dipping Sauce for Sushi and Dumplings Try this if you are looking for a dipping sauce that is a little more flavorful than you typically get with your takeout order. You'll love it with dumplings, too!
2 comments
Read more

Grandma's Soft and Chewy Date-Filled Cookies

One of the things I can count on as the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons arrive each year is a feeling of nostalgia. The traditional foods we serve at our family's holiday tables can surely bring out all the feels. Now that it is officially cookie season, we should kick it off with an old-fashioned homemade date-filled cookie recipe. This is a soft, tender cookie with dates that is a special, nostalgic, family recipe.   An Old-Fashioned Date Cookie Recipe What are old-fashioned date-filled cookies?   Old-fashioned date-filled cookies are a nostalgic, soft sandwich cookie featuring two rounds of tender sugar cookie dough with a sweet, homemade date jam filling in the center.  This vintage 1930s recipe is a traditional holiday favorite, prized for its soft texture and the perfect balance of buttery dough and naturally sweet dates. This old-fashioned, date-filled cookie was my dad's favorite cookie from his childhood. My dad was born in 1932, so this...
18 comments
Read more

The Ultimate Cinnamon Swirl Bread: A Bread Machine Recipe

Today's recipe will fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma and lots of smiles. It's homemade cinnamon swirl bread made with your bread machine. If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect cinnamon swirl or ended up with gaps or leaking filling, this method fixes that using your bread machine. Bread Machine Cinnamon Swirl Bread (Soft, Easy Recipe) This post includes affiliate links. This recipe brings together the ease of your trusty bread machine with the deliciousness of a warm, sweet, and perfectly swirled cinnamon bread. Get ready for a slice of pure comfort!
2 comments
Read more

The Best Way to Cook Bacon: Oven vs. Stovetop

How to cook bacon is often hotly debated. Cooking bacon in a pan on the stove has always been an easy go-to method. Cooking bacon in the oven has grown in popularity over time.  Are you curious about which bacon cooking method cooks bacon faster, which method produces the crispiest bacon, or which method offers easier cleanup? Those were the primary questions I wanted to answer in this bacon cooking comparison. How to Cook Bacon (This post includes paid links.) Whether you're a breakfast aficionado or just looking for bacon cooking tips for the quickest, crunchiest, and most hassle-free way to cook your bacon, I've got answers. Check out the Oven vs. Stovetop bacon battle and discover the fastest, crispiest, and easiest way to cook bacon for breakfast.
Post a Comment
Read more

Five Keys to Growing A Healthy Ficus Tree

Have you ever wondered how a single Ficus benjamina tree could become a beloved part of your home for decades, thriving and growing alongside your family?  If you haven’t yet, you might consider the addition of this living, air-purifying companion in your home that not only beautifies your space but also stands the test of time.  You may know this tree as either a Ficus benjamina or a weeping fig.   I have loved growing a ficus tree in my home for 36 years. It’s remarkable that I've had this tree for so long.   How to Grow A Ficus Tree Inside for Decades This post includes affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you use these links. When thinking about how I managed to keep this indoor ficus tree happy, healthy, and growing strong all these years it boiled down to five key Ficus benjamina plant care tips. Follow these tips and you can have a happy, healthy ficus tree in your home for many years, too.
22 comments
Read more