Description
This Easy Cast Iron Whole Roasted Chicken is a classic oven roasted dish with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Cooked in a seasoned cast iron skillet, the chicken roasts evenly while absorbing the flavors of herbs, olive oil, apples, and shallots. The result is a comforting American style main dish that feels both rustic and refined, perfect for a hearty homemade meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Whole chicken weighing about five and a half to six pounds
Gala apples chopped into small pieces
Large shallot finely chopped
Extra virgin olive oil
Dried thyme
Dried basil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ground ginger
Black pepper
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit
3. Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water then pat completely dry with paper towels
4. Place the chicken breast side up in a large seasoned cast iron skillet
5. Combine olive oil thyme basil garlic powder onion powder ginger and black pepper in a small bowl
6. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire chicken including the cavity
7. Fill the cavity with chopped apples and shallot and scatter any extra pieces around the chicken in the skillet
8. Place the skillet in the oven and roast until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden and crisp
9. Check that the internal temperature at the thigh reaches one hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and loosely cover the chicken with foil
11. Let the chicken rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute
12.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve crisp skin during roasting
Using a cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution and better browning
Letting the chicken rest after roasting keeps the meat juicy and tender
A meat thermometer provides the most accurate way to confirm doneness
The apples and shallots add moisture and subtle sweetness without overpowering the chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American