Thomas Keller’s Simple Roast Chicken

April 5, 2025

This iconic roast chicken recipe from chef Thomas Keller is famous for its simplicity: high heat, dry skin, no basting—just golden, crispy perfection with juicy, tender meat.

Thomas Keller’s Simple Roast Chicken
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 1 whole chicken (about 2.5–3.5 lbs), patted dry
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: thyme sprigs, garlic cloves, or herbs for the cavity

🔥 Instructions

Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Rinse the chicken, then thoroughly dry it inside and out with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!

Season the Bird:
Salt the chicken generously all over, including the cavity (about 1 tablespoon total). Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, stuff the cavity with a few thyme sprigs or a smashed garlic clove.

Truss the Chicken:
Using kitchen twine, truss the legs tightly together. This helps the bird cook evenly and retain moisture.

Roast It Right:
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast for 45–60 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken, until the skin is deeply golden and juices run clear.

Rest and Carve:
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Serve Simply:
Carve and serve with a sprinkle of salt and perhaps a spoonful of pan juices. Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Roast Chicken

  • 🔪 Carving Knife Set — Perfectly sliced chicken every time, just like at a fine restaurant.
  • 🔥 Oven-Safe Skillet — A heavy-duty skillet that goes from stovetop to oven flawlessly.
  • 🧵 Kitchen Twine — Essential for trussing the bird to ensure even cooking.

💡 Helpful Tip: Don’t skip drying the skin thoroughly. That one step makes the difference between a crispy roast chicken and a soggy one. Simplicity wins when technique is right!