marinate a whole chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
marinate a whole chicken recipe
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The Best marinate a whole chicken recipe

I’ve been making this marinated whole chicken recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The flavors are so rich and savory, it’s like a taste explosion in your mouth. I love that it’s easy to make and requires minimal prep time, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m sure yours will love it too. The best part is that it’s incredibly healthy, made with just a few simple ingredients that are all wholesome and good for you. I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a regular Tuesday night dinner, and everyone always raves about it.

It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress. Plus, the leftovers are amazing – we always have sandwiches or salads the next day using the leftover chicken. It’s seriously one of the most versatile recipes I’ve ever found.

As for where this dish comes from, I’m not entirely sure. But I do know that marinating whole chickens is a technique that’s been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks were known to marinate their meat in wine and herbs before roasting, and the technique has been passed down through generations ever since.

The key to making this recipe work is to use high-quality ingredients – especially the olive oil and herbs. Don’t be shy with the garlic either – we’re talking four cloves here! And make sure to let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes after marinating so the flavors can really penetrate.

The result is this beautiful golden-brown chicken with a crispy skin that’s absolutely irresistible. And when you take a bite, you’ll be met with this incredible explosion of flavors – tangy from the lemon juice, pungent from the garlic, and rich from the olive oil. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes when I need something comforting yet impressive at the same time.

Marinated Whole Roasted Chicken

Marinated Whole Roasted Chicken

4.9 from 1929 votes

A whole chicken marinated in a blend of herbs and spices then roasted to perfection. Juicy and flavorful, this dish is perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time90 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken 4-5 lbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika to make the marinade.
2Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3Place the whole chicken in a large baking dish.
4Using a brush, generously apply the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
5Make sure to get the marinade under the skin and into any cavities.
6Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to marinate into the chicken.
7Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
8Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
9This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
10Place the marinated chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
11Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for another 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
12The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is cut.
13Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
14This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the marinade. You can also add vegetables like potatoes and carrots to the baking dish for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Marinated Whole Roasted Chicken Works

This marinated whole chicken recipe is truly one of my staples – perfect for any occasion whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need something quick and easy on a weeknight dinner.

Not only does it taste incredible with its blend of tangy lemon juice, pungent garlic cloves, and rich olive oil – but also is incredibly healthy given its reliance on wholesome ingredients like olive oil and herbs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Whole Roasted Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a whole chicken that weighs between three to four pounds. You can use either fresh or frozen chicken – just make sure it’s thawed before you start cooking.

Q: How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

A: You should let the chicken marinate for at least two hours, but ideally four or five hours if you have the time.

Q: Can I adjust the amount of garlic in this recipe?

A: While four cloves may seem like a lot, trust me – they’re essential to bringing out that deep flavor in this dish. However, if you’re not a fan of strong garlic flavors, you can reduce it to two cloves if you prefer.

Q: What if I don’t have lemons on hand?

A: You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice in this recipe if needed – just keep in mind that it’ll give your dish a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I cook this chicken indoors?

A: While you can cook this chicken indoors using your oven or broiler pan, please note that results may vary depending on your specific kitchen setup.

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