Roast chicken recipe

Here’s a simple and delicious roast chicken recipe for you:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place it in a roasting pan or baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to create a spice rub.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and smashed garlic cloves. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it roasts.
6. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine if desired (this helps the chicken cook more evenly).
7. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
8. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, then carve and serve.

Enjoy your delicious roast chicken!