Is there anything more comforting than the golden, crispy skin of a perfectly roasted chicken, its aroma filling the kitchen, promising a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delightful? Whether it’s Sunday dinner with the family or a special occasion, roasted chicken is a classic dish that never fails to impress.

But getting it just right—juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—can seem like a culinary feat. Fear not! Our comprehensive guide will take you through the steps to achieve roasted chicken perfection, making you the star of any mealtime.

Roasted chicken

Best Roasted Chicken Internal Temperature

The key to a perfectly roasted chicken lies in hitting the sweet spot with its internal temperature. The magic number?

The USDA guidelines recommend cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for immediate safety. However, the pasteurization of chicken is actually a function of both temperature and time. For example, holding chicken at 145°F (63°C) for 8.5 minutes can achieve a similar level of bacterial safety as cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) instantaneously.

This approach is particularly appealing to sous vide enthusiasts and professional chefs who aim to achieve precise textures and flavors in their dishes without compromising on safety. Sous vide cooking, for example, allows for such precise control over temperature and time, making it possible to pasteurize chicken at lower temperatures effectively.

Chicken internal temperature

How to Monitor the Internal Temperature of Chicken

By using the Typhur Sync wireless meat thermometer, you can monitor your chicken’s internal temperature without ever having to open the oven door, keeping the heat steady and your bird cooking perfectly.

Accompanying the Typhur Sync is an intuitive app that not only displays the current temperature but also provides estimates on the cooking time remaining. You can watch the temperature rise and receive alerts the moment your chicken reaches the perfect doneness, whether you’re aiming for the USDA-recommended 165°F (74°C) or experimenting with lower temperatures for longer times to achieve pasteurization without drying out the meat.

Should I Truss Chicken Legs?

Ah, trussing – the practice of tying a chicken’s legs together before roasting. It’s a step that’s sparked debate among cooking enthusiasts. Does it make a difference? The answer is: that it depends on what you’re after. Trussing helps in cooking the chicken more evenly by keeping the legs closer to the body, which can be particularly handy if you’re striving for presentation perfection. However, it’s not strictly necessary for a delicious roast. Some argue that leaving the legs untrussed allows for better heat circulation, potentially leading to crispier skin and quicker cooking times.

If you decide to truss, it doesn’t have to be a complex affair. A simple loop around the legs, tying them together snugly against the body, will do the trick. Whether you truss or not, the key is consistent heat and an eye on the temperature for that flawless finish.

How to Roast Chicken

Here’s a step-by-step guide to roasting the perfect chicken, sure to impress at any meal.

Roasted chicken

Roasted Chicken Recipe

The pleasure of indulging in roasted chicken is unparalleled. Its tantalizing crispy skin and succulent, juicy meat create a sensory symphony. With each delectable bite, the flavors of aromatic herbs and fragrant spices dance on your palate.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 98 kcal

Video

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 each whole chicken around 1-1.5kg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 30ml
  • 3 tsp kosher salt 9g
  • 15 turns black pepper freshly cracked

Mixture Herbs Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp dried thyme 4g
  • 2 tbsp onion powder 16g
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder 8g
  • 1 tsp cumin powder 2g
  • 2 tsp paprika powder 4g

Instructions
 

Nutrition PER SERVING

Calories: 98kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 1751mgPotassium: 149mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 558IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg

(Nutrition information is calculated automatically by Spoonacular API and should be considered an estimate.)