6 Delicious Whole Roast Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Look Like a Pro Chef

There's nothing better than a perfectly roasted whole chicken on the dinner table. Crispy skin outside, juicy meat inside, and that amazing smell filling your whole kitchen.

But let's be honest, roasting the same chicken with salt and pepper every time gets boring. So today I'm sharing my 6 favorite roast chicken marinades that my family absolutely loves. Same method, 6 totally different flavors. Let's go!

6 Delicious Whole Roast Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Look Like a Pro Chef

1. Garlic Butter Herb Roast Chicken

This is the one I make on Sundays. Simple, buttery, herby and so comforting. If you are new to roasting, start with this one.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1 (4-5 lb)
Unsalted butter - 4 tbsp
Garlic - 6 cloves, minced
Fresh rosemary - 1 tbsp
Fresh thyme - 1 tbsp
Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
Lemon zest - 1 tsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Black pepper - 1 tsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Preheat oven to 425F. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt and pepper.
Gently loosen the skin and rub half the butter mix under the skin. Rub the rest all over the outside.
Tie the legs and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, until internal temp is 165F in the thigh.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

2. Honey Mustard Roast Chicken

Kids LOVE this one. The honey makes the skin caramelized and sticky, and the Dijon mustard gives it a little kick.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1
Dijon mustard - 3 tbsp
Honey - 2 tbsp
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
Paprika - 1 tsp
Dried thyme - 1 tsp
Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
Lemon juice - 1 tbsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Mix mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, lemon juice, salt and pepper to make a glaze.
Rub it all over the chicken, inside and out.
Roast at 400F for about 1 hour 20 minutes, basting once halfway with the pan juices.
Let it rest and serve.

3. Mediterranean Garlic Lemon Chicken

If you love lemon and herbs, this is for you. Super fresh, light, and perfect for summer dinners.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1
Olive oil - 3 tbsp
Garlic - 6 cloves, minced
Lemon juice - 3 tbsp
Dried oregano - 1 1/2 tsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Fresh parsley - 2 tbsp
Black pepper - 1 tsp
Lemon zest - 1 tsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Whisk olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper.
Marinate the chicken with this mix for at least 30 minutes if you have time.
Place lemon slices around it in the pan.
Roast at 425F for 75-85 minutes.

4. Thai Sweet Chili Roast Chicken

This one is a showstopper. Sweet chili sauce, ginger, lime - it's like takeout but better and roasted.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1
Sweet chili sauce - 1/4 cup
Soy sauce - 2 tbsp
Honey - 1 tbsp
Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
Fresh ginger - 1 tbsp, grated
Lime juice - 2 tbsp
Sesame oil - 1 tbsp
Red chili flakes - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, and chili flakes.
Coat the chicken completely. Let it sit 20 minutes.
Roast at 400F for 1 hour 20 minutes, until skin is sticky and charred in spots.
Squeeze fresh lime on top before serving.

5. Garlic Paprika Roast Chicken

This is all about that deep red, smoky, crispy skin. Paprika is the star here.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1
Olive oil - 3 tbsp
Garlic - 6 cloves, minced
Smoked paprika - 2 tsp
Sweet paprika - 1 tsp
Onion powder - 1 tsp
Dried oregano - 1 tsp
Black pepper - 1 tsp
Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Combine olive oil, garlic, both paprikas, onion powder, oregano, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a paste.
Rub everywhere, make sure you get into all the nooks.
Roast at 425F for about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Rest for 10-15 minutes.

6. Caribbean Lime Spiced Roast Chicken

This one brings the island flavor home. Allspice, thyme, brown sugar, and lime - it's smoky, sweet, and a little spicy.

Ingredients:

Whole chicken - 1
Lime juice - 3 tbsp
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Garlic - 5 cloves, minced
Fresh ginger - 1 tbsp
Allspice powder - 1 tsp
Thyme - 1 tsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Brown sugar - 1 tbsp
Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
Salt - to taste

How to Make:

Make a marinade with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, allspice, thyme, paprika, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
Rub chicken well. For best flavor, marinate 2-4 hours in the fridge.
Roast at 400F for 80-90 minutes until skin is dark and caramelized.
Serve with lime wedges.