Ready for the juiciest, most delicious oven Rotisserie Chicken ever? It’s so simple! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is.
This rotisserie chicken recipe tastes just like the store bought ones except they’re fresher and made in your home. A golden and crispy skin with juicy meat on the inside it is perfect for any meal you want to make.
I developed this recipe one year after we decided to roast a chicken instead of a traditional Thanksgiving Turkey! We loved it. It paired perfectly with all the Thanksgiving sides like Mashed Potatoes and Dinner Rolls.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Chicken
- Rotisserie Chicken recipe is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, and simple steps make it a breeze.
- Slow roasting ensures juicy, tender chicken every time.
- This oven rotisserie chicken only requires minimal cleanup. One-pan cooking reduces dishwashing time.
Recipe Ingredients
- Smoked Paprika: Infuses a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle heat, giving the chicken a spicy kick.
- Herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence is a blend of dried herbs that imparts a fragrant, earthy aroma.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Rotisserie Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), and place the rack in the lower-middle position.
Step 2: Heat 2 cups of water in the microwave for 3 minutes. Place it in the corner of the oven.
Step 3: Place the trussed chicken into a skillet, baking dish, or roasting pan. Make sure there’s enough room around the chicken so that nothing drips out, and that it is deep enough to catch the juices.
Step 4: Rub the melted butter on the skin. In a small bowl, combine the seasonings and spices, then rub the mixture on the buttered skin. You can gently lift up the skin around the breasts and rub some seasoning under there too.
Step 5: Place in the oven and bake for 3-4 hours (depending on the size of the chicken), basting twice during that time. Remove when a thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Allow to rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a cutting board and carving.
Expert Tips
- Enhancing Flavor with Pan Drippings: After cooking, pour the pan drippings into a small saucepan. Simmer and reduce them to create a rich, flavorful sauce to drizzle over the carved chicken for extra taste.
- Simple Trussing Technique: Tuck the wings under the chicken and tie the drumsticks with kitchen string. Proper trussing ensures even cooking and prevents the breasts from drying out before the darker meats are done.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before applying the melted butter and seasoning, use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry. This helps the skin become crispy and ensures the seasoning adheres better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it in the crock pot. Follow the same instructions for making the rub, then place the chicken in the crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
As the main dish, pair the chicken with classic sides like macaroni and cheese, roasted potatoes, buttered noodles, baked potatoes, salads, or fried corn. You can also serve it with instant pot mashed potatoes, oven roasted broccoli, instant pot asparagus, or yellow rice.
Storage Info
To STORE your Oven Rotisserie Chicken, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also FREEZE the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To REHEAT, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covered, in short intervals to avoid drying out.
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Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 lbs) whole chicken - trussed
- 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter - melted
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp dried herbes de Provence
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), and place the rack in the lower-middle position.
- Heat 2 cups of water in the microwave for 3 minutes. Place it in the corner of the oven.
- Place the trussed chicken into a skillet, baking dish, or roasting pan. Make sure there's enough room around the chicken so that nothing drips out, and that it is deep enough to catch the juices.
- Rub the melted butter on the skin. In a small mixing bowl, combine the seasonings and spices, then rub the mixture on the buttered skin. You can gently lift up the skin around the breasts and rub some seasoning under there too.
- Place in the oven and bake for 3-4 hours (depending on the size of the chicken), basting twice during that time. Remove when a thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Allow to rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a cutting board and carving.
When you put the water in the oven is it in the roasting pan with the chicken or in a separate container?
Separate container 🙂
Tried this and it was the best oven roasted chicken I’ve ever had. Thanks for the new go-to recipe!
I am baking this now but I want to know why the seperate container with water in it
It helps add moisture in the oven so that it doesn’t dry out as it cooks.
If you put it in the crock pot, do you add any liquid?
Nope 🙂
Just made this tonight. Just wonderful…looks store-bought but So much better!
Looks sooooo good!! Where did you get that 1/2TBL measuring spoon? I’ve been looking everywhere!!
Thanks!!
Sur La Table! Here’s a link to the set I have 🙂 http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-674481/?affsrcid=AFF0005&utm_term=463921676072_product_type_cooking_tools_custom_label_3&product_id=674481&adpos=1o1&creative=45091875941&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CM6e7cCF89ECFQynaQodGMMGZA
Tupperware’s measuring spoons comes with 1/2 tablespoon
Oh this looks yummy!