Go Back
–+ servings
Garlic salt and pepper roasted chicken with crispy golden skin in a cast iron skillet

Garlic Salt and Pepper Roasted Chicken

The easiest whole roasted chicken you will ever make. Crispy golden skin, juicy flavorful meat, and just 5 ingredients. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and holiday dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken 3.5 to 4.5 lbs, patted completely dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • fresh rosemary and thyme for the cavity, optional
  • 1/2 lemon for the cavity, optional

Method
 

  1. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels on all surfaces including inside the cavity. This is the most important step for crispy skin.
  3. Mix minced garlic with olive oil. Rub under the skin, all over the outside, and inside the cavity.
  4. Combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle generously over entire chicken.
  5. Stuff cavity with fresh herbs and lemon half if using. Place breast-side up in a cast iron skillet or roasting pan.
  6. Roast at 425 degrees F for 60 to 75 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh.
  7. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 45gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 420mg

Notes

For extra crispy skin, season the chicken and leave uncovered in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Always use a meat thermometer — guessing leads to overcooked chicken every time. Save the carcass for homemade chicken broth.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!