Introduction

Crispy roasted chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that delivers golden, crunchy skin with tender, juicy meat. This recipe uses a clever seasoning blend and a touch of butter to create irresistible flavor and texture. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with golden brown, cooked chicken pieces including drumsticks, wings, and thighs arranged closely together. To the left of the plate is a small white bowl with melted yellow butter and a pack of salted butter behind it. On the right side, a wooden board holds two small clear glass bowls—one with bright red paprika powder and the other with yellow mustard topped with green fresh herbs. Some broccoli is partly visible on a white plate in the top left corner and a red cloth napkin is folded next to the butter bowl. The scene is set on a light wooden surface with all elements neatly arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4-5 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, breast, or a mix)
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
1/4 cup Crock Homestyle™ Dairy Free Salted Butter

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken very dry with paper towels—this helps achieve crispy skin.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine salt, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme or rosemary.
Step 3: Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat evenly.
Step 4: Arrange the chicken uncovered on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to dry out the skin.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 6: Melt half of the butter and drizzle it over the chicken.
Step 7: Place the chicken skin-side up on the wire rack (or on a parchment-lined baking sheet if you don’t have a rack).
Step 8: Roast for 35-45 minutes, depending on piece size.
Step 9: At the 25-minute mark, brush the chicken with the remaining melted butter for extra crispness.
Step 10: Continue roasting until the skin is deeply golden and crisp, about 10-20 more minutes.
Step 11: If needed, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve extra crunch.
Step 12: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Tips & Variations

For an herb variation, swap thyme with rosemary or use a mix of your favorite dried herbs.
Using baking powder helps create crispy skin—don’t skip it!
Letting the chicken dry in the fridge uncovered is key to crispiness.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to help maintain crispy skin, or microwave for convenience but the skin may soften. Avoid freezing to preserve best texture.

How to Serve

A white oval plate holds a mix of 10 golden-brown cooked chicken pieces, showing a crispy and slightly charred texture on the skin, arranged closely together with drumsticks, thighs, wings, and a larger piece at the center. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with melted butter, next to a white plate with fresh green broccoli florets. Nearby is a rectangular pack of salted butter with red, white, and green packaging. On the right side, a wooden cutting board displays two small glass bowls, one filled with bright red paprika powder and the other with yellow sauce topped with fresh green herbs. The entire setup rests on a white marbled textured wooden surface, with an orange cloth napkin partly visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While you can, bone-in pieces retain moisture and flavor better. Boneless chicken may cook faster and could dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

Why is baking powder used in the seasoning?

Baking powder helps draw moisture from the skin and promotes browning, resulting in a crisper, crunchier texture on the chicken skin.

Crispy Roasted Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

This Crispy Roasted Chicken recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy skin and juicy, tender meat using a simple seasoning blend and butter basting. Perfect for a comforting, flavorful meal that is easy to prepare using your oven.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–5 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, breast, or a mix)

Seasoning Mix

2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

Butter

1/4 cup Crock Homestyle™ Dairy Free Salted Butter, melted

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken very dry using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and dried thyme or rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture thoroughly over all the chicken pieces. Arrange the seasoned chicken uncovered on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to dry out the skin.
Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the chicken pieces. Place the chicken skin-side up on the wire rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet if a rack is not available. Roast the chicken for 35 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Baste for Extra Crisp: When 25 minutes into roasting, brush the chicken with the remaining melted butter. Continue roasting for another 10 to 20 minutes until the skin turns a deeply golden color and becomes crisp.
Final Crisp & Serve: If you want added crunch, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry and refrigerating uncovered to dry the skin are key steps for maximum crispiness.
Baking powder helps create a crispy exterior by raising the pH level on the chicken skin.
Using a wire rack allows air circulation for even roasting and crisp skin.
Adjust roasting time based on the size/thickness of chicken parts to avoid under or overcooking.
Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for an extra crispy finish.

Keywords: crispy roasted chicken, baked chicken, chicken thighs, golden chicken skin, easy chicken recipe