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Perfect Kosher Roasted Chicken Recipe with Crispy Skin - Jewish recipe
There's something deeply satisfying about the smell of roasted chicken filling your kitchen on Friday afternoon. I've been making this roasted chicken recipe for years, and it's become my go-to for Shabbat dinner when I want something that looks impressive but doesn't require too much fussing. The key is getting that skin golden and crispy while keeping the meat juicy inside. What sets this recipe apart is the herb butter (made with olive oil instead of dairy butter, of course) that goes under and over the skin. I learned this technique from my grandmother, who always said the secret was getting flavor right up against the meat itself. She'd carefully loosen the skin and slide seasoned oil underneath, which creates this amazing barrier that keeps everything moist while the outside crisps up beautifully. The roasting method here is straightforward but effective. Start hot to get that initial sear, then lower the temperature to cook through evenly. I use a combination of garlic, rosemary, and thyme because they pair so well with chicken, but you could easily swap in whatever herbs you have on hand. The lemon adds brightness and helps cut through any richness. This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people, depending on the size of your bird and how hungry everyone is. I like to serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad. The pan drippings make an excellent base for gravy too, if you're looking to round out the meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Jewish, Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken 4-5 pounds, kosher
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 2 stalks celery roughly chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels inside and out. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika to make an herb oil.
  3. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs by gently sliding your fingers underneath. Rub about half the herb oil directly onto the meat under the skin.
  4. Rub the remaining herb oil all over the outside of the chicken. Squeeze lemon juice into the cavity and place the squeezed lemon halves inside along with some herb stems if you have them.
  5. Scatter the quartered onion and chopped celery in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables.
  6. Roast for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for 45-55 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
  7. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. Serve with the roasted vegetables from the pan.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, place the chicken on a wire rack set over the roasting pan. Save the pan drippings for gravy or to drizzle over vegetables. Leftover chicken keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and makes excellent soup or sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 385
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 125mg 42%
Sodium 890mg 39%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 42g 84%