Cooking Half Chicken
Learn the best methods to cook a delicious and juicy half chicken, whether roasted or baked. This guide covers preparation, seasoning, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions.
Equipment
- Oven
- Roasting Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Half Chicken
- 1 half chicken Skin-on, bone-in
- 2 tbsp olive oil For coating
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 tsp garlic powder For extra flavor
- 1 tsp paprika For color and taste
- 1 tsp thyme Fresh or dried
Optional Marinade
- 2 tbsp lemon juice For extra tang
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce For umami flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for roasting or 375°F (190°C) for baking.
- Pat the half chicken dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme in a bowl.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for extra flavor.
- If marinating, let the chicken sit for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan or baking dish, skin-side up.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, or bake for 60-75 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
For crispier skin, increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) during the last 10 minutes of cooking.