Roast Chicken Recipe: Mary’s Special Birthday Surprise for Her Husband
Mary, this one’s for you! You asked for a special recipe for your husband’s birthday that won’t stress you out. This easy roast chicken recipe is perfect for beginners and only needs three ingredients. You’ll impress your hubby without breaking a sweat!

Don’t worry about tricky steps or fancy techniques. Just follow the simple instructions and you’ll have a delicious, juicy roast chicken on the table in no time. Your husband will love it, and you’ll feel like a kitchen pro. Happy cooking, Mary!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple roast chicken:
• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
That’s it! Just five ingredients for a delicious roast chicken. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already.
Make sure to remove the giblet packet from inside the chicken before cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this helps the skin get nice and crispy.
The olive oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. Feel free to use your favorite dried herb blend instead of Italian seasoning if you prefer.
Remember to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This brings out the flavor of the meat.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a tasty roast chicken that’s perfect for a special meal or weeknight dinner.

Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the bird. Rub it all over with your hands.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on the chicken. Make sure to season inside the cavity too.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if you like. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Put the chicken in the oven. Roast for 70-90 minutes. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
Check if it’s done by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C).
Take the chicken out and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This keeps the meat juicy.
Serve and enjoy your delicious roast chicken!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this roast chicken recipe to suit your tastes. Try using different herbs and spices to create new flavors. Rosemary, thyme, or sage are great options instead of Italian seasoning.
For a zesty twist, rub the chicken with lemon zest and garlic. You can also stuff the cavity with lemon halves and herbs for extra flavor.
If you don’t have olive oil, use melted butter or another cooking oil. These will still help the skin crisp up nicely.
Want to add veggies? Toss some carrots, potatoes, and onions in the pan around the chicken. They’ll soak up the delicious juices as everything roasts.
For a quicker cook time, you can spatchcock the chicken. This means removing the backbone so it lays flat. It’ll cook faster and more evenly this way.
Here’s a quick list of tasty variations to try:
- Herb butter under the skin
- Honey and mustard glaze
- Spicy paprika rub
- Garlic and herb marinade
- Lemon and garlic stuffing
Remember, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your chicken. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer to be safe.

Tips, Tricks & Storing
Let’s make your roast chicken even better! Here are some helpful tips:
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the skin get crispy.
• Don’t forget to remove the giblets from inside the cavity.
• For extra flavor, stuff the cavity with lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.
You can make the chicken ahead of time. Just follow these storage tips:
• Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
When you’re ready to serve, try these ideas:
- Slice and add to salads
- Shred for tacos or sandwiches
- Dice and toss into pasta
Remember, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. When it reads 165°F, your chicken is done!