This Roast Chicken, with cream cheese, garlic, and rosemary rubbed under its skin and roasted on a bed of root vegetables, turns simple chicken into crispy-skinned, juicy bliss.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time1 hourhr30 minutesmins
Total Time2 hourshrs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to roast chicken, roast chicken recipe, roasted chicken
Using paper towels, pat dry the whole chicken, inside and out.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, carefully insert it underneath the skin, beginning at the neck. Slowly separate the skin from the meat without tearing through the skin. Set the chicken aside.
In a small mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, rosemary, chopped garlic, and pepper; mix until creamy and combined.
Using your fingers or a spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture under the skin, around the entire bird, out to the thighs and legs. I find it easier to spoon a large chunk of the cream cheese under the skin; then I use my fingers to spread it around by rubbing the chicken on top.
Place lemon wedges inside the cavity and set aside.
Butter a large baking dish with one tablespoon butter.
Place potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic in the baking dish; toss with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Place the whole chicken on top of the veggies, breast-side up.
Sprinkle salt over the chicken and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil.
Place in oven and roast for 1 hour.
Remove from oven and carefully flip the entire bird.
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes more, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
Remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board or plate; let stand 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Transfer the veggies and chicken to a large serving dish; spoon juices over the chicken and serve.
Notes
You can use a wooden spoon handle to ease skin separation.
You can use different herbs, such as thyme or sage.
You can swap veggies to suit your preference.
Before prepping, allow the chicken to sit on the counter for about 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
For that irresistible crisp skin, dry the chicken inside and out with a paper towel.
Amp up the flavor by salting the chicken on all sides.