A whole chicken is perfect for lunch or dinner. Cook it in the oven or on the smoker — it's delicious either way. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, chicken soup, and more.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels — inside and out. The drier the better.
- Lightly oil the entire chicken.
- Season all over with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken on a sheet pan and place in the upper third of the preheated oven.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Remove the bird from the sheet pan, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Carve your bird, or leave it whole for a beautiful centerpiece.
- Enjoy.
