Perfectly Simple Roasted Chicken

Prep: 15 min Cook: 90 min Cuisine: American

Juicy, flavorful roasted chicken with simple seasoning and vegetables, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering warm, comforting aromas and hearty taste.

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Ingredients

  • 5 to 7 lb. roasting chicken
  • 1 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • salt
  • pepper
  • paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven and prepare a large oven cooking bag.
  2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
  3. In a bowl, toss sliced onion and celery with flour.
  4. Place the chicken inside the oven cooking bag.
  5. Add the sliced onions and celery into the bag around the chicken.
  6. Seal the bag and place it in a roasting pan.
  7. Roast in the oven for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  8. Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then carve and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs and spices overnight. If you don't have an oven cooking bag, you can use a covered roasting pan instead. To add moisture, consider placing lemon slices or garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity. Flour can be substituted with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roasted chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken-Broccoli Casserole (Excellent For A Crowd) for a comforting dinner. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up any juices or a flavorful gravy for added richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in portions. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave on low power to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Perfectly Simple Roasted Chicken contains roughly 138 calories, with 10g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

138 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 15.3g 6% DV
Fiber 5.2g 18% DV
Sugar 3.6g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 590.6mg 26% DV
Potassium 414.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 89.3mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 662.8mcg 74% DV
Vitamin C 105.3mg 100% DV
Calcium 30.1mg 2% DV
Iron 2.7mg 15% DV
Diet fit Low-carb High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, with no pink remaining.

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier meal. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Other options include bell peppers or garlic, which can also enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

What can I do with leftover chicken?

Leftover roasted chicken is versatile! You can shred it for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. Consider using it in Chicken recipes like Quick And Easy Chicken Wraps or toss it into soups for added protein. It's also great for meal prep throughout the week.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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