Discover Barefoot Contessa’s Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe

Roasting a whole chicken becomes an art form with this Barefoot Contessa whole perfect roast chicken recipe that promises succulence in every bite.

Weekend dinners never tasted so incredible with such a simple approach.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this straightforward method that guarantees golden, crispy skin and tender meat.

The secret lies in a few clever techniques that infuse remarkable flavor throughout the bird.

Salt, herbs, and careful technique merge to create a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe turns an ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy centerpiece.

Grab your roasting pan and get ready to impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Whole Perfect Roast Chicken – What Goes In

• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty freshness that tenderizes the meat and balances rich flavors.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky coating that helps seal in moisture and promotes beautiful golden-brown grilling.
• Salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavor and helps season the meat deeply.
• Black Pepper: Provides a warm, subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the chicken's natural taste.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose organic, free-range cuts with firm texture and minimal visible fat for the most tender and flavorful result.

• Wooden Skewers: Select sturdy, food-safe wooden sticks that can hold sliced chicken pieces securely without splintering during serving.

Roasting Tools for a Perfect Chicken

• Whisk: Essential for mixing marinade ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Nonreactive bowl: Perfect for marinating chicken without chemical reactions.
• Charcoal grill: Key tool for grilling chicken and achieving that smoky flavor.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing cooked chicken safely and cleanly.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting chicken diagonally into precise 1.5cm slices.
• Wooden skewers: Great for presenting and serving sliced chicken pieces.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken on the grill safely.

How to Roast the Whole Chicken Just Right

• Kitchen Preparation

Clear your workspace and gather all essential cooking tools like a roasting pan, sharp knife, and cutting board.

• Chicken Selection

Choose a high-quality, fresh whole chicken with plump, firm meat and no discoloration.

• Herb and Seasoning Blend

Mix together aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating.

• Chicken Massage

Gently rub the herb mixture all over the chicken’s exterior and underneath the skin, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.

• Roasting Setup

Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast-side up, surrounded by root vegetables like carrots and onions for added flavor.

• Oven Magic

Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin turns golden and crispy.

• Resting Period

Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and ensures tender meat.

• Serving Finale

Carve the chicken carefully, arranging pieces on a warm platter with roasted vegetables for a stunning presentation.

Flavor Tips & Roasting Hacks for Juicy Chicken

• Brine the chicken for 2-3 hours before marinating to ensure ultra-juicy and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
• Replace thyme with rosemary, oregano, or tarragon for a completely different flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting and fresh.
• No outdoor grill? Use a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop to achieve those perfect char marks and smoky flavors indoors.
• Prepare the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum taste intensity.
• Transform the grilled chicken into tacos, salads, or sandwiches for versatile meal options that keep your family guessing.

How to Serve a Perfect Roast Chicken

• Serve with Fresh Salad: Pair the grilled chicken with a crisp mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, herby flavors of the meat.
• Accompany with Roasted Vegetables: Create a colorful side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to complement the chicken's lemony profile.
• Classic Dinner Plate Setup: Arrange sliced chicken skewers over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa, garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs and a lemon wedge for an elegant presentation.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Enhance the meal with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will brighten the chicken's zesty marinade notes.

Planning, Storing & Reheating the Roast Chicken

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Freeze Smart: Wrap sliced chicken tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers, which can maintain quality for 2-3 months without losing taste or texture.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a microwave or skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying, maintaining its juicy and tender characteristics.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice chicken in advance and portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Succulent Barefoot Contessa Whole Roast Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic whole roast chicken from Barefoot Contessa delivers pure comfort with crispy skin and juicy meat. Home cooks can easily master this simple, elegant dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 900 grams / 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, halved and skin removed
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml minced fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon / 2.5 ml dried thyme)
• 180 ml / 6 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
• 180 ml / 6 fl oz good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and thyme in a medium bowl until smoothly combined, creating a vibrant flavor base.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken in the marinade within a non-reactive container, refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow deep flavor absorption and tenderization.
3. Grilling Process: Heat charcoal grill to medium-high temperature, strategically place marinated chicken on grates, cooking 10-12 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown crust and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring complete and safe protein preparation.
4. Serving Technique: Rest grilled chicken for 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices, then slice diagonally into uniform pieces and arrange on pre-soaked wooden skewers for an elegant and practical presentation.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme for maximum taste infusion.
• Marinating Mastery: Refrigerate chicken for 6-8 hours or overnight to allow deep flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Resting Ritual: Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg