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Roasting a whole chicken in the oven can transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Whether you’re cooking a weeknight family meal or hosting friends, a whole roasted chicken delivers both impressive presentation and comforting flavors.
Below, you’ll find 15 ways to roast a whole chicken in the oven—each with its own unique twist.
1. Beer-Can Chicken
Stand the chicken upright over a half-full can of beer, allowing steam to keep the meat moist. Rub with a spice blend (paprika, chili powder, garlic powder) and roast until the skin is crispy and the meat is infused with a subtle malt flavor.
Get the Beer-Can Chicken recipe.
2. Classic Herb-Roasted Chicken
Rub the chicken with a blend of butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Roast until the skin turns golden, basting periodically with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Get the Classic Herb-Roasted Chicken recipe.
3. Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken
Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and rosemary. Spread a garlic-butter mixture under the skin for juicy meat and a bright, citrusy aroma.
Get the Lemon-Garlic Butter Chicken recipe.
4. Spatchcocked Garlic & Herb Chicken
Remove the chicken’s backbone and flatten it for faster, more even roasting. Season liberally with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then roast until the skin crisps evenly.
Get the Spatchcocked Garlic & Herb Chicken recipe.
5. Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken
Whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, a splash of soy sauce, and minced garlic. Brush it on the chicken during the final 20 minutes of roasting for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Get the Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken recipe.
6. Mediterranean-Style Roast
Create a rub using olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. Roast the chicken on a bed of sliced tomatoes, onions, and olives for extra flavor—perfect served with warm bread.
Get the Mediterranean-Style Roast recipe.
7. Peri-Peri Whole Chicken
Marinate the chicken in a spicy peri-peri sauce made with chilies, garlic, lemon, and a hint of vinegar. Roast until the skin is slightly charred and the meat is tender and spicy.
Get the Peri-Peri Whole Chicken recipe.
8. Honey-Soy Ginger Chicken
Combine soy sauce, honey, fresh ginger, and a splash of sesame oil. Baste the chicken with the mixture throughout the cooking process for a sweet-salty finish.
Get the Honey-Soy Ginger Chicken recipe.
9. Rosemary & White Wine Chicken
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of dry white wine, rosemary, and garlic. Roast low and slow, allowing the flavors to seep into every bite for a tender, aromatic meal.
Get the Rosemary & White Wine Chicken recipe.
10. Chili-Lime Roast Chicken
Rub the chicken with chili powder, paprika, and lime zest. The tang of the lime balances the smoky heat, creating a lively flavor profile—especially good with cilantro rice on the side.
Get the Chili-Lime Roast Chicken recipe.
11. Cajun-Spiced Chicken
Generously coat the bird with a Cajun seasoning mix (paprika, cayenne, oregano, and thyme). Roast until the skin has a nice, spicy kick, then serve with cornbread or roasted veggies.
Get the Cajun-Spiced Chicken recipe.
12. Barbecue Rub Roast
Use a homemade or store-bought barbecue dry rub, covering the chicken inside and out. Roast uncovered for a crisp finish, and enjoy with coleslaw or baked beans.
Get the Barbecue Rub Roast recipe.
13. French Onion-Style Roast
Sauté onions until caramelized, then place them around and inside the chicken. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper before roasting, letting the chicken soak up the sweet onion flavors.
Get the French Onion-Style Roast recipe.
14. Orange-Ginger Whole Chicken
Combine fresh orange juice, zest, grated ginger, and a touch of honey for the marinade. Baste the chicken while roasting to ensure a glossy, citrus-infused exterior.
Get the Orange-Ginger Whole Chicken recipe.
15. Jamaican Jerk Roast
Slather the chicken in a jerk marinade of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic. Roast until the skin crackles. For extra authenticity, serve with coconut rice and peas.
