30 Whole Chicken Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Professional Cook! 

December 29, 2024
Written by Kristy J. Norton

Cooking an entire chicken can seem like a daunting task but it doesn't have to be. These whole chicken recipes will show you just how easy it is and how creative you can be too! So, put your fears aside and take a look at these recipes! 

whole chicken recipes

1. Simple Roasted Whole Chicken 

Learning how to roast a whole chicken to perfection is one of life's basic skills and this recipe shows you how to do it perfectly! Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Stuff the cavity with butter and celery and place dollops of butter on top of the chicken. Then roast until the juices run clear, baste with the drippings, rest, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Simple Roasted Whole Chicken

2. Garlic and Herb Roasted Whole Chicken 

Garlic and herbs are a great way to add an earthy and aromatic flavor to your chicken! Stuff the chicken cavity with garlic, onion, and thyme. Then, melt butter and mix with thyme and seasonings. Brush this all over the chicken including under the skin and then roast until golden brown. Baste, rest, and carve! 

Get the recipe here

Garlic and Herb Roasted Whole Chicken

3. Simple Slow Cooker Chicken with Veggies 

This is a great recipe for when you want to prepare a whole meal but with minimal fuss! Chop veggies and place at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour in broth and then place a seasoned whole chicken on top. Dot the chicken with butter before slow cooking until perfectly tender! 

Get the recipe here

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken with Veggies

4. Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Chicken 

If you want to guarantee the juiciest chicken, then this is the recipe you need to check out! Stuff the chicken with cloves, rosemary, bay leaves, and lemon wedges. Then season the bird with herbs and spices. Pour broth into the Instant Pot and then add in the chicken. Pressure cook until tender and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Instant Pot Garlic and Herb Chicken

5. Middle Eastern Roast Chicken 

If you are looking to switch things up in terms of flavor, then you should try out this recipe! Season the chicken with sweet paprika, cumin, coriander, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom and turmeric. Then, add veggies to a roasting pan and pour in broth. Top this tray with a roasting rack, place the chicken on top, and roast everything to perfection! 

Get the recipe here

Middle Eastern Roast Chicken

6. Za'atar and Lemon Whole Chicken 

Here is another recipe that isn't afraid to bring the flavor! Place garlic, shallots, and thyme in a roasting pan and pour in wine and water. Place a butterflied chicken on top and rub down with a mix of melted butter, za'atar, spices, and lemon zest. Roast until tender, rest, and serve!  

Get the recipe here

Za’atar and Lemon Whole Chicken

7. Sous Vide Whole Chicken 

If you want to guarantee that your chicken is going to turn out juicy and tender each and every time, then this is the recipe you need to follow! Butterfly the chicken and season with butter, garlic powder, and herbs. Then, place in a vacuum bag and seal. Place the bag in a water bath and cook for several hours. Pop into the oven to get that crispy skin and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Sous Vide Whole Chicken

8. Lemon and Thyme Butter Basted Chicken 

This is an indulgent recipe but with just enough of bright flavors to balance things out! Rub the chicken all over with a mix of butter, mashed garlic, thyme, and lemon juice. Then, stuff the cavity with lemon halves. Bake the chicken with veggies and aromatics, rest, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Lemon and Thyme Butter Basted Chicken

9. Cider Roasted Chicken with Walnut Goat Cheese and Grapes  

If you are looking for a cozy dish that is also going to impress guests, then this is certainly one to try! Make caramelized walnuts, chop them up and mix with goat cheese, sage, and rosemary. Coat the chicken in this and stuff with apple and garlic. Place the chicken on a roasting pan on top of grapes and apple, dot with butter, and then roast. Brush with apple cider, and enjoy! 

Get the recipe here

Cider Roasted Chicken with Walnut Goat Cheese and Grapes

10. Slow Cooker Herb Butter Chicken 

This chicken is going to taste so good that people won't believe that it was made in a slow cooker! Place onion chunks at the bottom of the crockpot and top with the whole chicken. Coat the chicken in a mix of butter, garlic powder, and fresh herbs. Add in a lemon half, pour in water, and simmer until tender!

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Herb Butter Chicken

11. Greek Roast Chicken 

This recipe is a simple one but it also offers up the most delicious flavors! Arrange the chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet. Stuff the chicken with fresh herbs. Then, mix together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, oregano, and seasonings. Brush this over the chicken and the potatoes and roast along with halved head of garlic! 

Get the recipe here

Greek Roast Chicken

12. Smoked Paprika Roast Chicken 

Take your roast chicken to another level by adding a gorgeous smoky flavor into the mix! Arrange veggies and chorizo on a baking tray and top with the whole chicken. Season everything with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, and dried herbs. Then, squeeze lemon juice over the chicken, pop the lemon in the cavity along with garlic and herbs. Then, roast everything to perfection!

Get the recipe here

Smoked Paprika Roast Chicken

13. Honey Mustard Roast Chicken 

If you prefer a more classic flavor combination, then this is the recipe you should try! Mix mustard, honey, butter, lemon juice, and garlic all over the chicken. Then, stuff the cavity with onions, and cook the chicken until tender, making sure to baste with the pan juices! 

Get the recipe here

Honey Mustard Roast Chicken

14. Maple Butter Roasted Chicken 

This is such a cozy dish and one that tastes just like fall! Coat the chicken completely with a mix of butter, maple syrup, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Then, stuff the chicken with lemon wedges and fresh herbs and then roast alongside vegetables until golden brown and tender!

Get the recipe here

Maple Butter Roasted Chicken

15. Orange Herb Roasted Chicken 

If lemon is a bit too boring for you, try orange instead! Stuff butter under the chicken skin and then squeeze orange juice all over the bird along with melted butter, minced garlic, and herbs. Stuff the cavity with oranges and place in a pan with broth. Cover in foil and roast, basting with the juices as the chicken cooks! 

Get the recipe here

Orange Herb Roasted Chicken

16. Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken 

A little bit of zest and plenty of aroma is going to make this one of the tastiest recipes you have tried! Coat the chicken in a mix of lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Stuff the chicken with lemon, place inside the crockpot and cook until tender. Pop in the oven until crispy! 

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken

17. Tandoori Chicken 

If you are tired of the same old roast chicken, then this recipe is going to show you how to liven things up! Marinate the chicken in yogurt, aromatics, and spices. Then transfer the chicken into the crockpot along with the marinade. Cook until tender. For extra crispiness, place in the oven for a while and then sprinkle with cilantro! 

Get the recipe here

Tandoori Chicken

18. Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken 

This recipe is also going to show you how to play around with spices until you get the most amazing flavors! The chicken is seasoned with cumin, cinnamon, and ginger and stuffed with garlic. It is then placed in a crockpot with onion and water and surrounded by zucchini and apricots. Cook until tender and serve with sauce! 

Get the recipe here

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken

19. Harissa Roasted Chicken 

Spice lovers are going to be absolutely drooling over this dish! Coat the chicken in a mix of harissa, honey, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings before then placing in the oven. Cook until tender and golden brown, rest, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Harissa Roasted Chicken

20. Teriyaki Roasted Chicken and Gravy

Experiment with all the different ways you can roast a whole chicken with this recipe! Start by blending together the ingredients of the homemade teriyaki sauce. Marinate the chicken in this before adding to a baking dish along with the marinade. Then, bake, ba

Get the recipe here

Teriyaki Roasted Chicken and Gravy

21. Vietnamese Roasted Chicken 

This is a more unusual take on a whole roasted chicken but once you taste the results you are sure to go back to it again and again! Rub the chicken with butter, garlic, and oil and stuff with lemongrass, garlic, and lemon and bake. As this is happening, simmer fish sauce, sugar, water, lime juice, garlic, chili flakes, and ginger. When the chicken is nearly done, brush with this glaze and bake until done. Brush with more glaze and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Vietnamese Roasted Chicken

22. Thai Red Curry Roast Chicken 

It turns out that you can infuse a whole chicken with your favorite Thai flavors too! Simmer curry paste, lemongrass, and ginger before adding in broth and coconut cream, kaffir lime leaves, sugar, and fish sauce. Place the chicken in the sauce and coat the bird in it as well. Then, bake with potatoes! 

Get the recipe here

Thai Red Curry Roast Chicken

23. Sichuan Roasted Chicken 

Adventurous cooks and eaters are going to absolutely love this recipe! Toast black tea, sichuan peppers, and salt together. Add in granulated garlic and then blend everything. Brush the chicken with Shaoxing wine and sesame oil and coat in the spices. Marinate and then bake to perfection! 

Get the recipe here

Sichuan Roasted Chicken

24. Cumin and Yogurt Roasted Chicken 

This is a great recipe when you want some flavor but not too much either! Marinate the chicken in yogurt, cumin, cilantro, lemon juice, oil, and garlic. Then, sear the chicken before popping into the oven and cooking until golden brown. Rest and serve with a cucumber salad! 

Get the recipe here

Cumin and Yogurt Roasted Chicken

25. Slow Roasted Oregano Chicken with Buttered Tomatoes

The ingredients in this recipe come together so beautifully and as an added bonus the chicken is so tender too! Stuff the chicken with oregano and then sprinkle with seasonings and crushed fennel seeds. Place in a baking dish along with tomatoes, oregano, garlic, and butter. Then roast to perfection, drizzle the tomatoes with vinegar, rest, and serve! 

Get the recipe here

Slow Roasted Oregano Chicken with Buttered Tomatoes

26. Roast Chicken with Sage and Onion

If you are looking for a recipe to serve during the holidays, this cozy dish is certainly a good option! Brine the chicken ahead of time and then stuff with a mix of cooked onion, breadcrumbs, sage, lemon zest, and egg. Then, coat the chicken in butter, pour wine over it, and bake to perfection.  

Get the recipe here

Roast Chicken with Sage and Onion

27. Rice Stuffed Chicken 

This may sound like an odd recipe but it is going to turn out absolutely delicious - just trust the process! Cook the rice in aromatics and stock before then mixing with parmesan, breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest, and egg. Stuff this into the chicken and brush the bird with lemon juice, oil, and herbs. Then roast to perfection! 

Get the recipe here

Rice Stuffed Chicken

28. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Roast Chicken 

You will be surprised by how good this spinach and feta stuffed chicken is going to taste - it tastes great at dinner parties! Mix together spinach, feta, sour cream, thyme, lemon juice, and zest. Then, stick this under the chicken skin. Place the chicken in the baking dish along with garlic and wine and top with thyme before roasting! 

Get the recipe here

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Roast Chicken

29. Stuffed Chicken with Apples

This is another recipe that can taste so good during fall or the colder months! Make up the stuffing by cooking sausage, onions, apples, and brandy together. Stir in egg and stuff the chicken. Brush the chicken with butter and herbs and then bake! 

Get the recipe here

Stuffed Chicken with Apples

30. Herb Stuffed Roast Chicken 

If you are someone who prefers a more classic recipe, then you really can't go wrong with this yummy dish! Finely chop your desired herbs and then stuff them under the skin along with some salt. Then, stuff the cavity with lemons, bay leaves, rosemary, and chopped herbs. Then pop into the oven and bake!

Get the recipe here

Herb Stuffed Roast Chicken

There are so many ways that you can cook a whole chicken. So, the next time you need to feed a crowd or prep for a dinner party, you know all the options available to you. So, go ahead and put these recipes to the test! 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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