Upon my husbands first bite, he claimed this was the best chicken I’ve ever cooked. I’m not going to argue with that! This dish is so yummy, simple, yet wholesome. Preheating your skillet makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE so ensure you don’t skip step 1!
The Minimalist Recipe
Cast Iron Roast Chicken with Rosemary & Garlic
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Author: Dara Boxer
Recipe type: Poultry
Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) whole chicken, giblets discarded
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place 12-inch cast-iron skillet on rack, and heat oven to 500 degrees. Meanwhile, combine oil, rosemary, and garlic in bowl; set aside.
- With chicken breast side down, use kitchen shears to cut through bones on either side of backbone; discard backbone. Flip chicken over, tuck wingtips behind back, and press firmly on breastbone to flatten. Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then rub with olive oil-rosemary-garlic mixture and season with salt and pepper.
- When oven reaches 500 degrees, place chicken breast side down in hot skillet. Reduce oven temperature to 450 degrees and roast chicken until well browned, about 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oven to gently flip chicken breast side up. Continue to roast chicken until breast registers 160 degrees and thighs register 175 degrees, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. Carve chicken and serve.