5 Easy Roast Chicken Ideas

Here are five delicious recipe ideas using a whole pasture-raised broiler chicken:

1. Classic Roast Chicken

• Season the whole chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage). Rub it with olive oil or melted butter, and then roast it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with roasted vegetables for a classic, comforting meal.

2. Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken

• Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Let it sit for a couple of hours to soak up the flavors. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The lemon and garlic flavors will infuse the chicken, creating a bright and delicious dish.

3. Spatchcocked BBQ Chicken

• Remove the backbone of the chicken and press it flat (spatchcock). Season with a dry rub of your choice, such as a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken over indirect heat for approximately 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. During the last 10 minutes, baste the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve with coleslaw and grilled corn for a summertime feast.

4. Beer Can Chicken

• Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix together a dry rub of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season it with the dry rub. Place an open can of beer (half-full) in the chicken's cavity and set it upright on a baking sheet or directly on the grill grates. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The beer will steam the chicken from the inside, creating tender, juicy meat with a crispy exterior.

5. Slow Cooker Whole Chicken

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices (such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme). Place a few balls of aluminum foil or halved onions on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a "rack" for the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken on top and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method produces a succulent, fall-off-the-bone chicken that's perfect for shredding and using in various dishes, such as tacos, sandwiches, or salads.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the size of your broiler chicken and always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.