10+ Whole Chicken Recipes for Delicious Family Meals

Whole chicken recipes are a staple in many kitchens. They offer a delicious way to serve a meal that can feed the whole family.

Cooking a whole chicken is not only economical, but it also allows for endless flavor possibilities and creative twists. From simple seasonings to hearty sides, the options are truly limitless.

Whether you prefer a classic roast chicken or want to try something new, exploring whole chicken recipes can elevate your cooking skills. You can impress your friends and family with tender, juicy chicken that has a crispy skin. These recipes are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

1) Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken

Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make. The chicken gets its flavor from garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, creating a tasty meal for your family.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C).

Then, rub a mixture of garlic and herbs all over the chicken. Stuff the cavity with extra herbs for added flavor.

Once seasoned, roast the chicken for 15 minutes at 450°F (230°C). Then, reduce the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through. This gives you crispy skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Mix butter, garlic, and herbs.
3. Rub the mixture over the chicken.
4. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and extra herbs.
5. Roast for 15 minutes.
6. Lower temperature to 400°F (200°C).
7. Cook until chicken is golden and juices run clear.

2) Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Chicken

Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Chicken is a classic recipe that is both simple and delicious. You can enjoy a beautifully roasted chicken that is moist and flavorful. This dish is ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

To start, you need a 5- to 6-pound roasting chicken. Make sure to season it generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adding fresh thyme, halved lemon, and garlic helps enhance the flavor.

Roast the chicken at 425°F (220°C) until it reaches a golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before carving to keep it juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch fresh thyme
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, cut in half

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity with thyme, lemon, and garlic.
4. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest before carving. Enjoy!

3) Lemon and Herb Whole Roast Chicken

A Lemon and Herb Whole Roast Chicken is a delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The bright flavors of lemon combined with aromatic herbs make this recipe refreshing and satisfying.

Start by seasoning the chicken generously with Italian herbs and garlic. You can also rub the lemon zest all over for extra flavor.

Then, roast the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until the skin turns golden brown and the meat is juicy. The result is a vibrant meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 lemons, zested and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Place lemon quarters and garlic inside the chicken.
4. Roast in the oven for 1.5 hours, or until cooked through.
5. Let it rest, then enjoy!

4) Spicy Cajun Whole Chicken

A spicy Cajun whole chicken is a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. The blend of spices creates a crispy skin and juicy meat. You will love how easy it is to prepare.

To start, you can use a whole chicken and cover it in a mix of Cajun spices. This adds a kick that many enjoy. Roasting it in the oven brings out amazing flavors.

For cooking, you’ll need to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Then, roast your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Rub olive oil over the chicken.
4. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
6. Roast for 1 to 1.5 hours until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).
7. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

5) Crockpot Slow Cooked Whole Chicken

Cooking a whole chicken in a crockpot is simple and rewarding. This method results in tender, juicy meat with little effort. Just season the chicken well and let the slow cooker do the work.

Start by rubbing your chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Then, place it in the pot and add some veggies if you like.

Cooking on low for about 5 to 6 hours will give you a delicious meal.

For a quicker option, cooking on high for about 3 to 4 hours works too. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 4 carrots, chopped (optional)
• 1 onion, quartered (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Place the chicken in the crockpot.
3. Add carrots and onion if desired.
4. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

6) Lemon Stuffed Roast Chicken

Making a lemon stuffed roast chicken is simple and rewarding. This dish keeps the chicken juicy while adding bright flavors.

Start with a whole chicken, washed and dried. Then, rub salt and pepper inside and outside the chicken for seasoning.

Next, stuff the cavity with a few halved lemons and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra taste. You can also add garlic for depth.

Finally, roast it in an oven preheated to 350°F (180°C) for about 1.5 hours. Baste the chicken occasionally to keep the skin crispy.

The result is a flavorful and aromatic chicken that is perfect for dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• 2-3 lemons
• 2-3 cloves garlic (optional)
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Wash and dry the chicken.
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity with halved lemons, garlic, and herbs.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
6. Roast for about 1.5 hours, basting occasionally.

7) Honey Glazed Roast Chicken

Honey glazed roast chicken is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. The sweet glaze balances perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken. You can serve it for family dinners or special occasions.

To start, marinate the whole chicken in lemon juice for a few hours. This helps to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.

Once marinated, roast the chicken in the oven until it is golden brown.

In the last few minutes, brush the chicken with honey to create a shiny, sweet glaze. This gives the chicken a delightful finish.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for about 1 hour, until cooked through.
5. Brush with honey in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

8) Italian Seasoned Roast Chicken

Italian seasoned roast chicken is a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare. You’ll enjoy the wonderful flavors from herbs and spices that make it a favorite for many.

To prepare, start by seasoning your chicken with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. This combination brings out the best taste. Make sure to rub the seasonings under the skin for extra flavor.

Then, roast the chicken in an oven preheated to 425°F (220°C) for about 70 to 90 minutes. This ensures it gets crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 5-6 lbs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian herbs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rub the chicken with olive oil.
3. Mix herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 70 to 90 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let it rest before carving. Enjoy!

9) Salt and Pepper Simple Roast Chicken

Salt and pepper roast chicken is an easy and delicious meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The key is to keep it simple.

You will need a whole chicken, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to add your favorite herbs for extra flavor. This recipe focuses on the natural taste of the chicken.

Start by drying the chicken with paper towels. Then, season it generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the chicken for about 1 hour, or until it’s golden brown and the juices run clear.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Dry the chicken with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
4. Place in the oven and roast for about 1 hour.
5. Ensure the juices run clear before serving.

10) Asian Style Soy Sauce Roast Chicken

Asian Style Soy Sauce Roast Chicken is flavorful and easy to make. This dish combines soy sauce, spices, and a whole chicken for a delicious meal. The marinade gives the chicken a rich taste that your family will love.

To start, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. This allows the flavors to soak in.

After marinating, roast the chicken in the oven. Bake it at 356°F (180°C) for about an hour, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Enjoy this tasty dish at your next family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 3/4 cup light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons five-spice powder
• Slices of ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sugar for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
4. Sprinkle the chicken with five-spice powder and ginger.
5. Roast for about 60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.