The only thing better than a simple roast chicken? One that you can dress up with flavorful ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Weeknight Cooking
Try These Three Spice Rubs to Dress Up an Easy Weeknight Roast Chicken
Yes, they’re all stuff you already have at home.
By Published Jan. 20, 2023.
Here at Cook’s Country we’ve been roasting chickens for over 15 years and have learned a thing or two along the way.
- Look for a 3½- to 4-pound chicken. These are often the air-chilled, organic ones. The smaller size makes for quicker cooking.
- Place the chicken in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. Yes, it’s best to roast in the oven, but the skillet captures any drippings and can go directly on the stove while the chicken is resting for a quick pan sauce (with no extra pans required).
- Brush the chicken with oil, and sprinkle with the spice rub of your choice. Do this right in the skillet so it can catch any spices so none go to waste.
- Roast the chicken in a 400-degree oven. This temperature is hot enough to render and brown the skin without burning any spices.
- Let the chicken rest. This helps redistribute the juices so it is nice and moist when you carve it.
- Make a flavorful pan sauce. Take those schmaltz-y chicken drippings and thicken them by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water and simmering. Finish with a little lemon juice or other acidic ingredient for a bright pop.
The hardest part of making this roast chicken is picking the spice blend you want. Here are three of our favorite test kitchen–tested spice rubs.
Dill and Garlic Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Spice-Roasted Chicken with Dill and Garlic
Roast chicken is a great weeknight dinner. Raiding your spice cabinet can make it even better.Get the Recipe
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10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.
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Fennel, Coriander, and Lemon Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Spice-Roasted Chicken with Fennel, Coriander, and Lemon
Roast chicken is a great weeknight dinner. Raiding your spice cabinet can make it even better.Get the Recipe
Chile and Oregano Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Combine all ingredients in small bowl.
Spice-Roasted Chicken with Chili and Oregano
Roast chicken is a great weeknight dinner. Raiding your spice cabinet can make it even better.Get the Recipe