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Roasted half chicken in a baking dish ready to be served.
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Oven Roasted Half Chicken

Delicious roasted chicken - half or whole!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 140kcal
Author Katie G.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken (or 2 half chickens)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Remove the chicken giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Place the chicken on a large cutting board, breast side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of the chicken spine, separating it from the ribs. Repeat on the other side of the spine. Flip the chicken over onto its back and firmly cut the cartilage and soft bone down the middle of the breasts so the two halves come apart.
  • In a small bowl, combine the butter, oil, lemon zest, thyme, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Rub the seasoned butter evenly over the chicken halves, getting some under the skin, then let them rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. (220°C)
  • Transfer the chicken haves to a deep baking sheet, roasting pan, or oven-safe skillet, skin side up. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, basting with the released juices every 10 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature registers at 165F, or until the juices run clear when the chicken is cut. You can broil the chicken for 2-4 minutes at the end of the cook time to crisp up the skin if you'd like.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave or use in other dishes like salads or casseroles. 

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 806IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg