Oven-roasted chicken: foolproof tips for juicy, golden roast chicken

Updated: June 24, 2025 • Reading time ≈13 min.

1. Why baking chicken in the oven is awesome

Looking for an easy, tasty, and super flexible way to treat your family or friends? Oven-roasted chicken is definitely the way to go. It lets you enjoy both ultra-crispy skin and juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Not to mention its ultimate benefit: you can prepare ahead of time, set the chicken aside, and go about your business stress-free.

But, between us, it's all about timing, temperature, and a healthy dose of homemade tips. Let's get to the heart of the matter!

2. How to choose your chicken for oven cooking

3. Preparing the chicken before cooking

The basis for cooking chicken in the oven worthy of the name is to awaken the flavors by preparing the beast well:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (gas mark 6-7).
2. Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking so that it is at room temperature.
3. Remove any remaining feathers and dry the chicken well with paper towels.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Don't skimp on the salt, as it's what guarantees crispy skin.
5. Slip pieces of soft butter (or olive oil) under the skin to make the flesh tender and tasty.
6. Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and crushed garlic for a killer flavor.

4. Ideal temperature and duration

One of the secrets to successfully cooking chicken in the oven is adjusting the temperature and time according to the size.

To check the doneness without any hassle: the internal temperature should reach 75°C (at the thigh level). A meat thermometer is your best friend!

5. Step-by-step recipe: crispy-melting baked chicken

OK, let’s move on to the easy and delicious recipe that always has a little effect:

• Ingredients :
• 1 whole chicken (~1.5 kg)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 50 g of unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic in their skins
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary
• Salt and pepper from the mill
• 1 organic lemon, cut in half

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.
2. Point the garlic cloves under the skin, brush the entire chicken with olive oil and place the pieces of butter under the skin.
3. Rub with salt and pepper all over.
4. Slide the fresh herbs and lemon halves into the cavity.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.
6. Start cooking. Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with its juices for a nice crispy skin.
7. Halfway through cooking, turn the chicken onto its back so that both sides are golden brown.
8. Once cooked, let stand for at least 15 minutes under aluminum foil.
9. Cut and serve with your favorite side dish.

6. The best sides for your chicken

What would a baked chicken be without a good selection of side dishes? Here are some ideas that will kick ass:

• Roasted potatoes with garlic and rosemary
• Barbecued seasonal vegetables for a summery feel
• A fresh salad of arugula, parmesan and pine nuts
• Rice pilaf or green beans sautéed in a pan

Want to take your modern cooking skills to the next level? Check out this comparison of the best Air Fryers of 2025 , perfect for quickly and efficiently grilling your chicken pieces when you're in a hurry.

7. Equipment and tips for top-notch cooking

Some life-changing tips:

• Use a baking dish with a rack so the chicken doesn't sit in its own juices.
• A cooking thermometer guarantees you perfect results without fail.
• Resting after cooking is key to allowing the juices to distribute throughout the meat.
• If you don't like basting, consider an oven with air convection.

8. FAQ about cooking chicken in the oven

Should I cover the chicken while cooking?

No, not at the beginning: this is the key to ultra-crispy skin. You can cover at the end if the chicken browns too quickly.

Can you cook frozen chicken directly in the oven?

It is best to let it defrost in the fridge 24 hours beforehand to ensure even cooking.

How to prevent the flesh from being dry?

The secret: bake at the right temperature, spread butter under the skin and let the chicken rest outside the oven before carving.

Which marinade for an explosive taste?

A mixture of olive oil, lemon, garlic, paprika, thyme, and honey works wonders. Remember to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight.

9. Verdict and final tips

Now that you've mastered how to bake chicken like a pro, there's no more excuse not to bring out the flavors at mealtime. Fresh chicken, careful seasoning, precise temperature and timing, and above all, a pinch of love and fun... it's the magic recipe.

And if you want to push the technique, try combined cooking on the barbecue or in the Air Fryer ( see comparison ) to vary the textures and flavors. Enjoy and see you soon on Neary for new recipes that rock!