This easy Whole Roast Chicken Recipe is cooked to crispy-skin perfection in a Dutch Oven with Lemon, Garlic, and Rosemary Butter slathered on every bite! Add potatoes to the bottom of the pan and you’ve got yourself a complete, one-pot meal.
This is my favorite recipe for roast chicken. Cooking it in a dutch oven ensures the chicken is moist and flavorful, but still gets that awesome golden-brown, crispy skin.
Here’s what I LOVE about this roast chicken recipe:
- It uses only five ingredients (assuming you already have butter, salt, and pepper);
- The flavor combination of lemon, garlic, and rosemary creates amazing flavor;
- There is no waste– the lemon zest, juice, and rinds are used, as well as the onion, garlic, and rosemary scraps;
- While it takes a while to roast in the oven, the prep time is only 10-15 minutes!
- You can add potatoes to the bottom of the pan to cook and soak up all those delicious juices while the chicken roasts for an easy one-pot meal. YUM!
And the other thing? A whole roast chicken is a foolproof way to impress people. This recipe comes out gorgeous every time, and it’s perfect for a dinner party or date but also easy enough to make for your family on a whim.
Tips for making the BEST Whole Roast Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry. This will help the skin crisp up to perfection.
- Season the cavity. Add a LOT of salt and pepper inside, and stuff it with the lemon rinds, rosemary sprigs and stems, garlic scraps, and onion scraps. This will help keep it moist and flavor it from the inside out.
- Add the butter mixture under AND over the breast skin. Use your hands for this (then give them a good wash). It’s important to spread the mixture liberally over the entire chicken (every nook and cranny). In addition, I separate the skin from the top of the breast and spread some of the butter underneath, being careful not to tear the skin (intact skin helps the meat stay moist since it keeps the juices in). This creates extra crispy skin and helps flavor the meat better.
- Truss the chicken. Not in a complicated way- I just tie the legs tightly together using kitchen twine. This helps keep everything nice and neat and compact for even, consistent cooking. If the legs splay out too much, they will cook too quickly, causing them to become dry.
- Roast high, then low. Roast the chicken at 475 for 15 minutes- this gets the crispy skin process going. Then, turn the heat down and roast at 350 for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (I stick my meat thermometer
into the thickest part of the breast as far as it will go, then retract it just a little so it’s not touching the bone. It won’t read accurately if it is touching a bone) - Let it sit for at least 10 minutes when it’s done. This will ensure that a) the chicken isn’t too hot to handle when you carve it, and b) that the juices have a chance to redistribute. If you cut into it too quickly, the juices will escape too fast and the chicken will become dry.
into the thickest part of the breast as far as it will go, then retract it just a little so it’s not touching the bone. It won’t read accurately if it is touching a bone)
Roasting a Whole Chicken in your Dutch Oven
I have a blue Cuisinart Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-1/2-Quart Oval
dutch oven, which I LOVE and HIGHLY recommend. Conveniently, it perfectly fits a chicken, and because it gets so hot on the sides , it helps roast it evenly on all sides of the chicken for awesomely crispy skin.
Here are some tips to roasting a whole chicken in your dutch oven:
- Layer onions and potatoes (or another root veggie) on the bottom so you have a complete meal. The veggies will soak up all the juices as it cooks.
- Keep the cover off when roasting. If the skin browns too quickly on top, you can place the cover on ajar on top to help avoid direct hot heat, or tent it with foil if the cover doesn’t fit/the chicken is too tall.
By the way… a Dutch Oven is also an amazing thing to bake crusty, no knead artisan bread in!
If you don’t have a Dutch Oven…
You can easily make this recipe in a large casserole dish or roasting pan using the same method!
Or, you can use your slow cooker. Just keep in mind, you won’t have any crispy skin if you do this. Slather the chicken in the butter mixture, and set on top of onions (and potatoes, if you want) in your slow cooker. Cook for 4 hours on high. (more on how to cook a whole chicken in your slow cooker)
You may also be interested in another one-pan chicken recipe: Spiced Chicken and Rice with Apples and Raisins. YUM.
Don’t throw the chicken bones/carcass out!
Make homemade chicken stock with them. Just store the carcass/bones in your freezer in an airtight bag or container until you’re ready to make it!
Recipes to make with leftover roast chicken:
- Easy Chicken and Dumplings from Scratch
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
- Avgolemono (Greek Chicken Soup with Lemon)
- Cobb Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Healthy 20-Minute Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
- Chicken and Corn Enchilada Casserole
- BBQ Chicken Naan Pizza
And check out these other easy recipes you can make in a dutch oven from Pinch of Yum!
Did you make this Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken? Please comment below and Rate this Recipe
Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 lbs.
- 2 lemons
- 5 cloves garlic 3 minced, 2 cut in half
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 3 finely chopped, 1 left whole
- 2 large onions halved and thickly sliced, end scraps reserved
- 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
- kosher salt see notes
- black pepper see notes
- 1.5 lbs. potatoes cut into 1" pieces, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
- Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in small bowl (I used my Pyrex measuring cup); add minced garlic (3 cloves), chopped rosemary (from 3 sprigs, about 2 tablespoons), the zest of the two lemons, and plenty of kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Place the onions in bottom of enameled cast iron dutch oven. Reserve the end scraps. If using potatoes, add them on top of the onions.
- Prepare chicken by removing giblets from cavity and patting dry with paper towels.
- Liberally season the cavity with salt and pepper. LIBERALLY.
- Cut the zested lemons in half; reserve juice and save rinds.
- The butter mixture will have hardened slightly by now. Using your hands, slather the mixture liberally over every part of the chicken and under the breast skin (being careful not to tear the skin).
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon rinds, onion scraps, remaining 2 garlic cloves, and rosemary sprig/stems. Place in dutch oven on top of sliced onions and potatoes, if using.
- Tie the legs of the chicken together tightly using kitchen twine.
- Pour reserved lemon juice over the chicken.
- Roast chicken UNCOVERED for 15 minutes at 475, then reduce heat to 350 and cook STILL UNCOVERED for approximately 20 minutes PER POUND, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (about 1.5 hours for a 4.5 lb. chicken). The chicken should be uncovered the entire time it cooks, unless it seems like it's burning (see notes).
- Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Basting: If you want to, baste the chicken approximately halfway through cooking process. You don't have to.
- Salt and pepper: You want to salt and pepper liberally- I’d say at least 1 tablespoon of kosher salt for a 4ish lb. bird (up to 2 tablespoons, if you have a larger chicken that’s more like 8 lbs.). Pepper you can do to your taste- it will give it a nice kick if you use a lot (around 2 teaspoons) but you can definitely get away with only 1/2 teaspoon.
- If chicken is burning: you should cook the chicken uncovered in the dutch oven, but if it starts to burn on top and the internal temperature is not high enough yet, you can place the lid on ajar to avoid direct heat and prevent further burning. Or, you can tent it with foil on top.
- Other vegetables: You can add carrots or other root veggies, that take a long time to cook, in the bottom of the pan in place of or in addition to the potatoes. Note: I actually prefer to roast my potatoes/veggies separately because they get more browned, but it's super convenient to cook them in the same pot!
- Slow cooker instructions: Place sliced onions in bottom of large slow cooker. Prepare chicken as directed above. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or high for 4-5, until the chicken is falling off the bone. (this method will not make crispy skin, but will still be delicious!
- Make it paleo/dairy free/Whole30: Use olive oil or ghee instead of butter.
- The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.
- If you are sensitive to lemon flavor, you may want to use only 1 lemon. Same goes for if you are using extremely large or juicy lemons. Some readers have commented that the flavor is too lemony. I LOVE a really lemony chicken but no harm in cutting the amount in half if that's not your thing!
Nutrition
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is my best estimate and does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information. Feel free to calculate it yourself using one of these tools:
This recipe first appeared on Bowl of Delicious as “Lemon, Garlic, and Rosemary Whole Roast Chicken.” It has been updated with new photographs, clearer instructions, and the option of adding potatoes based on suggestions from reader comments.
Em
I now wrote it down because every time i am concerned it’ll disappear somewhere, or i won’t find it, and it’s been working like a charm for me for the past two years at least.
All your tips are gold.
I am always scared to oversalt, so i keep repeating “it says liberally”, ha.
And the butter under the skin is an awesome tip as well.
Anyway, thanks for all the details, i am now off to roast a chicken again ^_^
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Jean Paletz
thank you! It was delicious!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Katey
Have made this recipe twice for two different family members and it was a hit both times! Makes the whole house smell good and it is deliciousssssss! The leftovers make an amazing homemade chicken stock as well ❤️ thank you for sharing!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Knight Breckinridge
Iam a Southern American who now lives in Costa Rica ( a wonderful Paradise) with beef so tuff one can use it to resole shoes! Chicken is readily available, all be it, and twice the price in the US. This dish has a marvelous flavor, I did add more garlic and used avocado oil in a lew of butter Easy and breezy to prepare and my guests devoured it with gusto.
I have made this the top of my list when people pop in, unannounced, and expect to be fed. Oh well, that is a Southern thing.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Christine
This recipe is FANTASTIC!!! My husband and in-laws LOVED it!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE THIS WITH US! I especially liked the additional info you provided throughout. FANTASTIC!!!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Delainey marshall
This is becoming a staple in our house . So easy and the best roast chicken I’ve ever had!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Lorna Claerbout
Thank you so much for this recipe! It is our number one favorite! It always turns out very succulent and flavorful. We follow it exactly as you describe and is perfect! We do substitute carrots instead of potatoes at the bottom, as you also suggested. There is such a wonderful aroma in the house right now as it roasts!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Linda
This is my go to recipe for roast chicken. I have made it many it many times and am just now getting around to thanking you for this fabulous recipe!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Lois Luckovich
I’ll definitely be trying this. I too love a lemony chicken
Elizabeth Lindemann
Hope you like it!
Shawn
All I could taste was lemon acid. I don’t get it. Potatoes and carrots and chicken taste the same. Lemon. Way to much lemon.
Elizabeth Lindemann
There is a recipe note about this that probably would have helped you:
If you are sensitive to lemon flavor, you may want to use only 1 lemon. Same goes for if you are using extremely large or juicy lemons. Some readers have commented that the flavor is too lemony. I LOVE a really lemony chicken but no harm in cutting the amount in half if that’s not your thing!
Bill
One of the best roasted chicken recipes I’ve ever had. The rosemary and butter made for a very flavorful sauce.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Doni
This was not only incredibly easy and straight-forward, this is one of the best chickens I’ve ever tasted, let alone cooked myself! The skin that was exposed to air (so, most of it) did in fact stay nice and dry and crispy, and the inside was SO juicy and flavorful! I bought a whole chicken on a whim when my grocery store had them on sale, and this was the absolute perfect recipe for it. I had a 4lb chicken and cooked it for about 75 minutes, then let it rest for 15-20 before I touched it. Absolutely perfect.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
April
This turned out well for us. It’s very similar to my favorite turkey recipe with the butter/rosemary/garlic/lemon under the skin (Gordon Ramsey’s!).
We tried halved baby red potatoes and we were able to eat them but they weren’t quite done to our liking, so next time I’ll just make the potatoes separate.
I did put carrots sliced into spears (a couple inches long and quartered or halved) on top of the onions. I love how carrots like to soak up flavors and they did well with the onions and rosemary.
My only complaint is that it didn’t seem to make enough juices to make a gravy, but honestly I hadn’t planned on making a gravy so I’ll just make a note for in the future to keep in mind.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
Coleen
Does cooking the chicken uncovered still net you a nice amount of gravy?
Elizabeth Lindemann
You’ll still get a lot of juices at the bottom of the Dutch Oven when it’s roasted uncovered that you can use to make gravy!
Tracy
I loved this recipe however the cooking time was way off. I could not get my chicken to 165 degrees with the formula 20 minutes per pound. I had a 3 lb chicken and it took almost 2 hours to cook at 375 so for me, it was 1.5 hours per pound. It made a very late dinner because the timing was way off but the recipe itself was excellent.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it! The cooking time has always worked for me, as well as other readers, but different factors can come into play with cooking time being a little off (for example, inaccurate oven temp, elevation, if the chicken was previously frozen and still very cold inside, etc.). For anyone who needs this to be done at a certain time and is unfamiliar with how a whole chicken will cook for them, I recommend starting a bit earlier. You can always keep it warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve. Hope that helps, and better luck next time!
Yvonne
Tried this and loved it! I had to use a roaster rather than a dutch oven and I used olive oil instead of butter but it still turned out delicious! Moist meat, crispy skin and potatoes! I’ll be making this again for sure!
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it!
sheila swanson
Hi Elizabeth…I AM new to ur site. Have already made some of ur recipes. Never made dumplings before but this is a winner!!! Thanks for ur personalized welcome and keep up the good down home recipes.
Elizabeth Lindemann
So glad you liked it and welcome!