grandma’s chicken recipe
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The Best grandma’s chicken recipe
I’ve made my grandma’s chicken recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep, but I still get excited every time I pull out the ingredients. There’s something about the way the garlic and herbs blend together, the way the chicken stays juicy no matter how long it simmers—that’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t just fill your stomach, it feels like a hug on a plate. My kids ask for it at least once a week, and honestly, I don’t blame them. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night but special enough for Sunday dinner with the family.
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, toss it with pasta, or even shred it for tacos. It reheats like a dream, so leftovers are never a problem, and it’s packed with protein without being heavy or greasy. Plus, it’s one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day, which is a win when you’re trying to meal prep for a busy week. The herbs give it a fresh, bright flavor, and the chicken itself is lean but still rich enough to satisfy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your family without sacrificing taste.
Grandma’s Classic Roasted Chicken with Herbs
4.7 from 842 votes
A timeless family recipe featuring tender roasted chicken infused with aromatic herbs and garlic. This comforting dish brings warmth to any dinner table and is perfect for Sunday family gatherings.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hour 10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Herb Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
For the Vegetables
- 4 medium potatoes, quartered
- 2 large carrots, chopped
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
👨🍳Directions
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1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2 In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and salt to make the herb butter.
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3 Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder inside and out.
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4 Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and spread half of the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the chicken.
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5 In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables in the bottom of a roasting pan.
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6 Place the chicken on a rack in the roasting pan, breast-side up. If you don’t have a rack, place the chicken directly on top of the vegetables.
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7 Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
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8 Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
🔧Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 550mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 35g
📝Notes
Tips: For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning. You can also add lemon wedges or other root vegetables like parsnips to the roasting pan. Leftovers make excellent chicken salad or sandwiches the next day.
Watch Video Of How Grandma’s Classic Roasted Chicken with Herbs Works
Grandma’s chicken recipe is the kind of dish that just makes sense—simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect go-to for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big family gathering, because it’s easy to make but feels special enough to bring everyone together. No matter how many times I make it, it never fails to remind me why comfort food like this is worth holding onto.
