do you cover a chicken when roasting

A whole roasted chicken is something every home cook should be able to master. This is my foolproof method for an irresistibly flavorful, juicy, crispy roast chicken that’s perfect for meal prep and weeknight dinners.

There’s nothing more comforting than the familiar scent of a chicken roasting away in the oven. The savory aroma of garlic and onion, lemon and herbs, mingling with schmaltzy chicken—it’s a thing of beauty. A roast chicken done right never disappoints. Recipes like my oven-roasted chicken with lemon rosemary garlic butter, 40 cloves of garlic roast chicken, and my cast-iron skillet whole roasted chicken with potatoes, have been longtime favorites, and this simple roast chicken with butter, garlic, lemon, and aromatics is no different (just equally delicious).

A whole roast chicken is something every home cook should be able to master, yet I’ll admit that it took me a while to do so. In the past, I attempted various roast chicken recipes, most of which turned out a bird that was either undercooked or cooked too long with dry, sinewy meat. But after cooking many more chickens since, I figured out the secrets to share with you.

There’s no need to cover your chicken for roasting, as the time it takes to cook means the skin should brown just enough to be perfectly crispy.
do you cover a chicken when roasting

Is it Better to Roast Chicken at 350 or 425?

Roast your chicken at 425°F. We’re roasting our chicken, not baking it—that’s why a high temperature will ensure crispy skin that’s juicy on the inside.

PRO TIP: Pull your chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off and ensure a more even cooking time.

Do You Cover Chicken While Roasting in Oven?

I don’t recommend covering your chicken unless it begins to brown too much. Direct heat with the chicken is where you’ll get a crisp skin. Covering the chicken will create steam and soften the skin.

ROAST CHICKEN | a super easy whole roast chicken recipe (the easiest!)

FAQ

Should you cover a chicken when roasting?

Weigh your chicken and calculate the cooking time according to the guide below. Sit the bird in a roasting tin slightly larger than the chicken, and don’t cover it with foil or you won’t achieve a crisp skin. Basting your chicken during cooking will help keep the meat moist.

Should you bake chicken covered or uncovered?

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results. Lastly, think about the desired texture and flavor you’re trying to achieve.

Is it better to bake a whole chicken at 350 or 400?

You can roast or bake anywhere between 325 and 450 degrees F. When roasting a whole chicken, a nice rule of them is to start at 400 to 425 degrees F and then turn the oven down to 350 after 15 minutes and cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 – 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.

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