How to roast a chicken to perfection in the oven: a step-by-step guide

Roasting a chicken in the oven is a simple yet delicious way to prepare a meal. However, it can be intimidating if you’re new to cooking or unsure about the cooking time and temperature. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful roasted chicken.

Step 1: Preparation (30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking)

1. Thaw the chicken: If your chicken is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator or under cold running water.
2. Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the chicken under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels, inside and out.
3. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and your desired herbs and spices. You can also stuff the cavity with aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, and herbs.
4. Truss the chicken (optional): Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, tucking the wings under the body. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the legs from burning.

Step 2: Preheating the Oven (20-30 minutes before cooking)

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 220°C for a whole chicken or 200°C for chicken pieces or spatchcocked chicken.
2. Use a roasting pan: Place a roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet in the oven to preheat. This helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the chicken from sticking.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

1. Place the chicken in the oven: Carefully remove the preheated roasting pan from the oven and place the chicken in it. If using a whole chicken, place it breast-side up.
2. Roasting time: The cooking time will depend on the size and type of chicken you’re using. Here are some general guidelines:
3. Whole chicken (1.5-2 kg): 45-60 minutes
4. Whole chicken (2-2.5 kg): 60-75 minutes
5. Chicken pieces (thighs, legs, wings, breasts): 30-40 minutes
6. Spatchcocked chicken: 30-40 minutes
7. Baste the chicken: Every 20-30 minutes, baste the chicken with melted butter, oil, or pan juices to keep it moist and promote even browning.
8. Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The safe minimum internal temperature is 74°C.

Step 4: Resting the Chicken (10-15 minutes)

1. Remove from oven: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the roasting pan.
2. Tent with foil: Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and to retain heat.
3. Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.

Additional Tips and Considerations

1. Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
2. Don’t overcrowd: Cook chickens separately to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues.
3. Tent with foil: If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent overcooking.
4. Let it cool: After resting, let the chicken cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

By following these steps and guidelines, you’ll be able to achieve a perfectly cooked, delicious, and safe roasted chicken. Happy cooking!