Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, has won hearts with her approachable style and delicious, family-friendly recipes. Among her many culinary triumphs, the Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken stands out as a true classic. This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s practically foolproof, delivering a consistently moist and flavorful roast chicken every single time. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by roasting a whole chicken, Ree’s simple, 5-ingredient method will banish those fears and make you a roast chicken pro in no time. Get ready to enjoy a dinner that’s both impressive in its simplicity and satisfying in its taste.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken with golden brown skin, garnished with rosemary sprigs and lemon halves, showcasing its delicious appearance.
This recipe is so versatile and delicious. Whether you opt for fresh rosemary or dried rosemary like I did on this occasion, the result is always incredibly flavorful. The aroma alone, as it roasts in the oven, is enough to make everyone’s mouth water!
The Pioneer Woman’s Famous Roast Chicken Recipe
This Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken recipe is a testament to simple cooking at its finest. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you can create a centerpiece dish that’s perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a weekend gathering.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 whole Chicken (about 4-5 lbs), rinsed and patted dry
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) Butter, softened
- 3 Lemons
- 4 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (or 2 teaspoons Dried Rosemary)
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Lemon-Rosemary Butter: Zest two of the lemons using a microplane or grater. If using fresh rosemary, strip the leaves from one sprig and chop them finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, chopped rosemary (or dried rosemary), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place the rinsed and thoroughly dried chicken on the foil, breast side up.
- Butter the Chicken: This is the key to a flavorful and moist Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken! Use your fingers to generously smear the lemon-rosemary butter mixture all over the chicken. Make sure to get butter under the skin (especially on the breast and thighs) and inside the cavity.
- Lemon and Rosemary Infusion: Cut the lemons in half. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire chicken. Place the six lemon halves (if they fit – don’t overcrowd) and the remaining rosemary sprigs into the cavity of the chicken.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the baking sheet with the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a fork. The skin should be a beautiful deep golden brown and the juices in the pan should be sizzling.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken.
Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken served on a platter, showcasing its golden brown crispy skin and juicy meat, ready to be carved and enjoyed.
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken
- Dry Chicken is Key: Ensure your chicken is thoroughly patted dry with paper towels before buttering. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully during roasting.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: The butter is not just for flavor; it also helps to keep the chicken moist and promotes crispy skin.
- Lemon Zest is Important: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds a bright, aromatic flavor that complements the rosemary perfectly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For guaranteed doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Resting is Essential: Resist the urge to carve immediately! Resting the chicken allows the juices to settle, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Serving Suggestions
The Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some classic and delicious options include:
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and broccoli are always a great choice. Corn on the cob or simple steamed green beans are also fantastic.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or Ree Drummond’s famous “Fried Taters” are perfect accompaniments.
- Biscuits: Serve with warm, fluffy biscuits like Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the roast chicken.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken!
This Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken recipe is a winner for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s a fantastic dish for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and experience the magic of Ree Drummond’s easy and delicious cooking!
Servings: 4
Author: Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)
