Kosher Roasted Chicken Recipe

Servings: 4–6

Yield: 1 whole roasted chicken

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Vessel: Roasting pan with rack or oven-safe skillet

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Ingredients

1 whole kosher chicken (about 4–5 lbs), giblets removed

3 tbsp olive oil or kosher-certified cooking oil

2 tsp kosher salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried rosemary

1 lemon, halved

4 garlic cloves, smashed

1 medium onion, quartered

2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This ensures crispy skin.

3. Season: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken, including under the skin of the breasts.

4. Stuff the Cavity: Insert lemon halves, garlic cloves, onion quarters, and fresh herbs into the chicken cavity.

5. Oil the Skin: Brush the chicken skin with olive oil.

6. Truss Chicken (Optional): Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wing tips under the body for even cooking.

7. Roast: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Roast for 1 hour 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

9. Carve & Serve: Slice and serve with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a side salad.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 360 kcal

Protein: 35 g

Fat: 24 g

Saturated Fat: 6 g

Carbohydrates: 2 g

Fiber: 0.5 g

Sodium: 750 mg

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Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure seasoning blends are certified gluten-free.

Low-Sodium: Reduce salt to 1 tsp or use a salt substitute.

Low-Fat: Use 1 tbsp oil and remove skin after roasting.

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Tips & Troubleshooting

Crispy Skin: Dry the chicken thoroughly and roast at high heat initially; do not cover the chicken during roasting.

Even Cooking: Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting to ensure uniform cooking.

Juiciness: Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Flavor Variations: Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or drizzle honey over the chicken in the last 10 minutes for a slightly sweet glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a quinoa salad.

Use leftover chicken for sandwiches, soups, or salads.

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Notes

For a kosher meal, ensure all ingredients, including spices, are certified kosher.

For a smaller family, halve the recipe or roast a smaller chicken.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.