MY FAVORITE SIMPLE ROAST CHICKEN

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Editors' Note: We love Thomas Keller's roast chicken recipe so much that we asked him to share his favorite roast turkey recipe as well. Check out My Favorite Roast Turkey.

Categories     Dinner     Chicken     Poultry     Roast     Quick & Easy     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

One 2- to 3-pound farm-raised chicken
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons minced thyme (optional)
Unsalted butter
Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Rinse the chicken, then dry it very well with paper towels, inside and out. The less it steams, the drier the heat, the better.
  • Salt and pepper the cavity, then truss the bird. Trussing is not difficult, and if you roast chicken often, it's a good technique to feel comfortable with. When you truss a bird, the wings and legs stay close to the body; the ends of the drumsticks cover the top of the breast and keep it from drying out. Trussing helps the chicken to cook evenly, and it also makes for a more beautiful roasted bird.
  • Now, salt the chicken-I like to rain the salt over the bird so that it has a nice uniform coating that will result in a crisp, salty, flavorful skin (about 1 tablespoon). When it's cooked, you should still be able to make out the salt baked onto the crisp skin. Season to taste with pepper.
  • Place the chicken in a sauté pan or roasting pan and, when the oven is up to temperature, put the chicken in the oven. I leave it alone-I don't baste it, I don't add butter; you can if you wish, but I feel this creates steam, which I don't want. Roast it until it's done, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add the thyme, if using, to the pan. Baste the chicken with the juices and thyme and let it rest for 15 minutes on a cutting board.
  • Remove the twine. Separate the middle wing joint and eat that immediately. Remove the legs and thighs. I like to take off the backbone and eat one of the oysters, the two succulent morsels of meat embedded here, and give the other to the person I'm cooking with. But I take the chicken butt for myself. I could never understand why my brothers always fought over that triangular tip-until one day I got the crispy, juicy fat myself. These are the cook's rewards. Cut the breast down the middle and serve it on the bone, with one wing joint still attached to each. The preparation is not meant to be superelegant. Slather the meat with fresh butter. Serve with mustard on the side and, if you wish, a simple green salad. You'll start using a knife and fork, but finish with your fingers, because it's so good.

Durlav Ashiq
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This recipe is easy to follow and produces a delicious roast chicken. The chicken was moist and flavorful, and the skin was crispy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Abdoul Habou Matawa
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I followed the recipe exactly, and the chicken turned out perfectly. It was juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy. I would definitely make this again.


VoidPh0enix
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This recipe is a great way to cook a simple, delicious roast chicken. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was great. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Muhammad imranmiran Muhammad imranmiran
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I'm not a very experienced cook, but this recipe was easy to follow and the chicken turned out great. It was juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy. I would definitely make this again.


Random User
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This recipe is easy to follow and produces a delicious roast chicken. The chicken was moist and flavorful, and the skin was crispy. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Omojola Lekan
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I followed the recipe exactly, and the chicken turned out perfectly. It was juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy. I would definitely make this again.


MrCheese Gh
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This recipe is a great way to cook a simple, delicious roast chicken. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the flavor was great. I would definitely recommend this recipe.


Akarul Islam
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I'm not a big fan of chicken, but I really enjoyed this recipe. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy and delicious. I would definitely make this again.


Sherry Marris
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This recipe is amazing! The chicken was so moist and tender, and the flavor was incredible. I loved the combination of herbs and spices. This recipe is definitely a new favorite in my household.


Arlene Morin
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I'm a huge fan of roast chicken, and this recipe is one of my favorites. The chicken is always juicy and flavorful, and the skin is crispy and delicious. I love the simple ingredients and the easy-to-follow instructions. I highly recommend this recip


Karan Khan
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This recipe is a game-changer! I used to be intimidated by the thought of roasting a chicken, but this recipe made it so easy. The chicken turned out perfectly, and my family loved it. I'm so glad I found this recipe.


Yuzu Aihara
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I'm always looking for new and easy recipes, and this one definitely fits the bill. It's so simple to make, and the chicken is always juicy and flavorful. I love that I can use different herbs and spices to create different flavors. This recipe is a


Amjid Wafa
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I'm a novice cook, and I was nervous to try this recipe. But I'm so glad I did! It was so easy to follow, and the chicken turned out perfectly. My family loved it, and I'm so proud of myself for making such a delicious meal.


Giddy Ekanem
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I've made this recipe several times, and it's always a hit. The chicken is always juicy and flavorful, and the skin is crispy and golden brown. I love that I can use simple ingredients that I already have on hand. This recipe is a staple in my kitche


Hiba Bouaa
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This recipe is a lifesaver! I'm a busy working mom, and I don't have a lot of time to cook. This recipe is so easy and quick to make, and the chicken always turns out perfectly. My family loves it, and I'm so grateful for this recipe.


Xaawa Luul
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I'm not usually a fan of roast chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy and delicious. I loved the simple ingredients and the easy-to-follow instructions. I'll definitely be making this


Himel Bepari
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I've tried many roast chicken recipes, but this one is by far the best. The chicken was so moist and tender, and the flavor was incredible. I loved the combination of herbs and spices. This recipe is a new favorite in my household.


Tomasa Camerina
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This roast chicken recipe is a keeper! The chicken turned out juicy and flavorful, and the skin was perfectly crispy. I followed the recipe exactly, and it was so easy to make. I'll definitely be making this again.