How to Perfectly Roast a Chicken: Tips from a Professional Chef

Few things are as comforting and delicious as a perfectly roasted chicken.

BY STAFF @the Brimly Test Kitchen

March 6, 2023

Image Source/Photo by Yuhan Du

3 minute Read

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Achieving that crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat can be challenging for home cooks. To help you master this culinary classic, we spoke to Chef M, a professional chef with over 8 years of experience. From selecting the right bird to seasoning and cooking it to perfection, here are Chef M's top tips for roasting a chicken like a pro.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Chef M says the first step in roasting a perfect chicken is selecting the right bird. For the best flavor and texture, he recommends choosing a free-range, organic chicken that weighs between 3 and 4 pounds. This size is perfect for feeding a family of four and ensures that the chicken will cook evenly. Chef M also advises looking for a chicken with a plump, firm breast and moist-looking skin.

Preparing the Chicken

Once you've selected your chicken, it's time to prepare it for roasting. Chef M recommends removing excess fat or giblets from the cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Next, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper inside and outside the cavity. You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to the cavity for added flavor. Finally, truss the chicken by tying the legs together with cooking twine. This will help the chicken cook evenly and retain its shape.

Cooking the Chicken

When cooking the chicken, Chef M suggests starting with a high temperature, around 425°F, for the first 20 minutes to crisp up the skin. Then, lower the temperature to 375°F and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This can take anywhere from 48 minutes to the top of the hour, depending on the size of your chicken. Chef M also advises basting the chicken with its own juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

Resting and Carving

Once the chicken is fully cooked, it must rest for at least 12 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout and ensures that the chicken will be tender and juicy. While the chicken rests, you can make a quick pan sauce by deglazing the roasting pan with chicken stock or white wine and adding a tablespoon of butter. Next, Chef M recommends removing the legs and thighs to carve the chicken, then slice the breast meat against the grain. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy! With these tips from a professional chef, you'll be able to roast a chicken that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor.

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Remember, roasting a chicken is a great way to impress your dinner guests or to make a delicious and satisfying meal for your family. It's also a versatile dish that can be prepared in many ways. For example, you can stuff the chicken with herbs, lemon, or garlic to add flavor or rub it with spices for a more exotic taste. You can also experiment with different cooking methods, such as spatchcocking the chicken or cooking it on a rotisserie, to create unique and delicious dishes. Whatever your preference, roasting a chicken is a classic and timeless cooking technique every home cook should master.