Ina Garten Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe

This Ina Garten Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe is a classic and foolproof dish, which includes fresh thyme and lemon. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

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Ina Garten Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Ingredients

• 1 (5 to 6-pound) whole roasting chicken
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
• 4 carrots, cut into large chunks
• 1 bulb fennel, tops removed and cut into wedges
• Olive oil

How To Make Ina Garten’s Whole Perfect Roast Chicken

1. Preheat and prep the chicken: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove giblets, rinse the chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season and stuff: Generously salt and pepper the cavity. Stuff with lemon halves, garlic, and the bunch of thyme.
3. Truss and butter: Brush chicken with melted butter, sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Tie legs with kitchen string and tuck wing tips under.
4. Arrange vegetables: In a roasting pan, toss onions, carrots, fennel, and thyme sprigs with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in pan, then place chicken on top.
5. Roast the chicken: Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until juices run clear when cutting between leg and thigh, and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Stir vegetables occasionally.
6. Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10–15 minutes. Carve and serve with roasted vegetables and pan juices.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get crispy skin?
  Make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning, and roast at a high temperature.
• Do I need to truss the chicken?
  Trussing helps the bird cook evenly and keeps stuffing in place.
• What if I don’t have fennel?
  Substitute with potatoes, parsnips, or extra carrots.
• Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
  Yes, but fresh thyme gives the best flavor and aroma.
• How do I know the chicken is done?
  Internal temp should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

What To Serve With Roast Chicken

This classic roast chicken pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
• Green beans or asparagus
• A simple arugula salad
• Homemade bread or dinner rolls
• Pan gravy or au jus

How To Store Roast Chicken

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Shred cooled chicken, place in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Ina Garten Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Nutrition Facts (Estimate per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I roast the chicken with potatoes?
Yes, add halved baby potatoes to the roasting pan along with the vegetables.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep and season the chicken up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated until roasting.

Why is my roast chicken dry?
Overcooking is the main reason. Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out.

Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, follow the same steps and roast covered for the first half, uncovered for the second half.

What do I do with the leftovers?
Use them in chicken salad, soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Fish In Parchment Recipe
• Ina Garten Asian Grilled Salmon Recipe
• Ina Garten 4 Hour Lamb Recipe