Rotisserie chicken is a beloved dish that brings together the rich, savory flavors of slow-roasted chicken with a golden, crispy skin. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. The secret to a perfect rotisserie chicken lies in the seasoning and the slow, even cooking process, which keeps the meat tender and juicy. Whether you’re using a rotisserie oven or a traditional grill with a rotisserie attachment, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, mouthwatering chicken that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley) for stuffing
- Kitchen twine
Method
- Prepare the Chicken:
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Ensure the chicken is completely dry, as this will help achieve a crispy skin. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present. - Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then generously apply the seasoning mix, ensuring you cover all sides and inside the cavity. - Stuff the Chicken:
Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs inside the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor as it cooks. - Truss the Chicken:
Using kitchen twine, tie the legs of the chicken together and secure the wings close to the body. Trussing helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps the stuffing in place. - Prepare the Rotisserie:
Preheat your rotisserie oven or grill to medium heat. If using a grill, set it up for indirect cooking by turning off the burners directly under where the chicken will cook. Attach the chicken securely to the rotisserie spit. - Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken on the rotisserie and cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be golden brown and crispy. - Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the rotisserie spit and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful. - Carve and Serve:
After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve. Enjoy the perfectly roasted, flavorful chicken with your favorite sides.
Variations & Tips
- Herb Butter Rotisserie Chicken:
For an extra layer of flavor, mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and parsley) and lemon zest. Carefully lift the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter underneath before trussing and cooking. This will make the chicken extra juicy and flavorful. - Spicy Rotisserie Chicken:
Add a kick by including cayenne pepper or chili powder in the seasoning mix. You can also stuff the chicken with a sliced jalapeño or other hot pepper for added heat. - Citrus Rotisserie Chicken:
Replace the lemon with an orange or lime for a different citrus flavor. The citrus juices will keep the chicken moist and add a zesty twist. - Smoked Rotisserie Chicken:
For a smoky flavor, add wood chips (like hickory or applewood) to your grill. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or directly on the coals if using a charcoal grill. The smoke will infuse the chicken with a rich, deep flavor. - Basting Tips:
Baste the chicken occasionally with its own juices or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs to keep it moist and flavorful during cooking. - Leftover Ideas:
Rotisserie chicken leftovers can be used in various dishes like salads, sandwiches, tacos, or soups. Shred the meat and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken is a classic dish that never goes out of style. It’s simple to prepare, yet the result is a delicious, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. With the right seasoning and cooking method, you can achieve a perfect rotisserie chicken at home, rivaling any store-bought version. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, you’ll find that this dish is versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of making this rotisserie chicken, and savor the delicious results!