Classic Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 Oak & Barrel Meats whole chicken, 3-4 lb
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: garlic, lemon and rosemary for added flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place it in a Dutch oven or other heavy oven-safe pot with a lid.
  3. Season: Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt and black pepper. Add garlic, lemon or rosemary if desired.
  4. Roast covered: Cover the pot and roast for 50 minutes.
  5. Check the temperature: After 50 minutes, check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, avoiding the bone. Continue roasting as needed until the chicken reaches 165°F.
  6. Brown the chicken: Remove the lid and return the chicken to the oven for 15–25 minutes, or until the skin is browned and the chicken has reached temperature.
  7. Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  8. Save the carcass: Save the bones and carcass for homemade chicken broth.