This Pioneer Woman Roasted Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Known for her approachable and flavorful cooking, Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, offers a simple yet incredibly delicious way to roast a whole chicken. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering a juicy, herb-infused chicken with crispy skin every time. Inspired by the original Pioneer Woman recipe, this guide provides everything you need to create your own herb-roasted chicken masterpiece.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Herb Roasted Chicken
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients. The fresh herbs are key to the amazing flavor, making this dish stand out.
- 1 whole fryer chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (crucial for the crust)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1/4 yellow onion, roughly cut
- 8 cloves garlic, gently smashed
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Roasted Chicken
Follow these easy steps to roast your chicken to golden perfection. Preheating the oven is essential for achieving crispy skin.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to a high temperature of 450°F (232°C). This initial high heat helps to crisp the chicken skin beautifully.
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Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Freshly chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme in a bowl, ready to be mixed for the herb rub. -
Add Salt and Pepper: To the herbs, add the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Using kosher salt is important as it creates a flavorful crust without dissolving completely during cooking.
Close-up of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper being added to the herb mixture in a bowl. -
Incorporate Vegetable Oil: Pour in the vegetable oil and mix everything together. The mixture will form a thick, fragrant paste. This herb paste is what will give your chicken incredible flavor and crispy skin.
Herb mixture being combined with vegetable oil, creating a thick paste for coating the chicken. -
Prepare Aromatics: Cut the lemon in half, roughly chop the yellow onion, and gently smash the garlic cloves. These aromatics will infuse the chicken from the inside as it roasts.
Halved lemon, roughly cut yellow onion, and smashed garlic cloves prepared for stuffing inside the chicken. -
Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and remove the neck and giblets from the cavity. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial! Dry skin is essential for achieving crispy roasted chicken skin because moisture prevents browning. Place the dried chicken on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
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Apply Herb Rub: Generously rub the herb paste all over the chicken, ensuring you cover every part, including under the wings, drumsticks, and the underside of the chicken. Use all of the herb mixture for maximum flavor.
Chicken placed on a roasting rack, being thoroughly rubbed with the herb paste mixture. -
Stuff the Cavity: Place the smashed garlic cloves, halved lemon, and roughly cut onion inside the cavity of the chicken.
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Add Water to Roasting Pan: Pour 3-4 cups of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This prevents drippings from burning and smoking in the oven and adds moisture during cooking, resulting in a more tender chicken. You may need to replenish the water during cooking if it evaporates.
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Roast the Chicken: Place the roasting pan with the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through. If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
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Rest Before Carving: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird.
Perfectly roasted Pioneer Woman herb chicken, golden brown and ready to be served.
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Chicken
This herb-roasted chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Consider these serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:
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Garlic Butter Linguine: A simple yet delicious pasta side, as suggested in the original recipe. Toss cooked linguine with garlic butter for a comforting accompaniment.
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Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and your favorite toppings provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and broccoli alongside the chicken for an easy and flavorful side dish.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with roasted chicken, perfect for soaking up the flavorful pan juices.
Roasted chicken served with garlic butter linguine and a fresh salad, showcasing a complete meal idea.
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Roasted Chicken!
This Pioneer Woman herb-roasted chicken recipe is truly a winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Let us know if you try this recipe – we’re sure you’ll love it!
