Looking for a delicious and easy way to make a rotisserie-style chicken dinner that tastes even better than it looks? Then try my recipe for Dutch Oven Whole Chicken that's roasted with homemade garlic butter.
This method is simple, hassle-free, and yields perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time that will have your family and friends begging for more. Trust me, this is one recipe you don't want to miss!
Check out the full list of Family Favorite Chicken Recipes that are perfect for dinner any night of the week.
This recipe for Dutch Oven Whole Chicken is the perfect dish for your next dinner party. There is minimal prep time and simple ingredients, like my homemade garlic butter, this dish is perfect for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Best of all, this recipe is foolproof, so you can be confident that your roast chicken will be picture-perfect every time.
This recipe was inspired by my Dutch Oven Roast Chicken that's seasoned with a homemade spice seasoning rub.
Table of Contents
Looking for more Chicken Recipes? Try my Chicken Cutlets with Gravy, Cast Iron Pan Roasted Chicken Breasts or Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes. They're all easy recipes perfect for your Weekly Meal Plan.
What is a Dutch Oven?
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, a cast iron dutch oven is a kitchen essential. This type of oven is perfect for slow cooking, braising and roasting, making it ideal for busy cooks who want to create delicious meals with minimal effort.
A cast iron Dutch oven is also incredibly versatile - it can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, making it perfect for one-pot recipes. Plus, it's easy to clean and maintain, so you'll be able to enjoy your Dutch oven for years to come.
What size Dutch Oven for Whole Chicken?
A whole chicken weighing roughly 4 to 6 pounds will fit in a 5-quart Dutch oven, however, there won't be much room for vegetables.
If you want to cook a 4 to 6 pound chicken with vegetables, you should use a 7-quart Dutch oven.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Le Creuset Dutch OvenMore InformationKitchen Must Have UtensiilsMore InformationLe Creuset Dutch Oven PrintMore InformationStainless Steel CollanderMore InformationMini Dutch OvensMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 | Prepare the Chicken
- First, start by removing the giblets from the chicken cavity. They're usually wrapped in paper. Make sure you check the neck area as well.
- These are the organs that are located inside the chicken, and they can be used to make a delicious gravy or stock.
- Or you can discard them...which is what I usually do.
- Then lay the chicken on a piece of parchment paper and "truss" or tie up the legs with kitchen twine.
- Using paper towels, pat the chicken dry.
Step 2 | Add the Garlic Butter
- Spread the melted Homemade Garlic Butter all over the chicken.
- Sprinkle Lawry's Seasoning Salt evenly over the whole chicken.
Step 3 | How long to cook a Whole Chicken in Dutch Oven
- In a preheated 375°F oven, cook the chicken for one hour, uncovered.
- Then cover and continue to cook another hour or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
When is a Whole Chicken Cooked?
- The best way to tell if a chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone), and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once your chicken hits that temp, it's officially done, however I like to run the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two to get the skin extra crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the Dutch oven and cover with foil and set aside for 10 minutes. This will aid in the redistribution of liquids throughout the meat, resulting in moist, tender meat.
- Carve the meat and serve.
Serving Tips
There are a variety of side dishes you can serve alongside this roast chicken recipe. You could serve roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes.
A family favorite is our Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe. If you wanted to keep things on the light side, try a simple tossed salad with homemade Italian salad dressing.
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FAQ's
A whole chicken weighing roughly 4 pounds will fit in a 5-quart Dutch oven. Anything bigger, you should use a 7-quart Dutch oven.
According to Today.com, there is no need to wash a chicken before cooking. Washing can spread germs from the chicken to other food or utensils in the kitchen. Instead, make sure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature; that way any germs will be killed while cooking.
Storage Tips
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cooled to room temperature before placing them in an air tight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to four to five days.
- You can also freeze the leftover chicken.
- Make sure you label and date the containers.
- If you have leftovers, try this recipe for Chicken Ham Swiss Cheese Casserole.
Air-Tight Storage Containers: these air-tight storage containers that help keep food fresh for longer. Use them to store fresh baked goods, cookies, fruit and vegetables, left overs, and more. The silicone lids lock to close to ensure an air tight seal. The stackable, multi-size design makes these containers easy to store. They're perfectly sized for the fridge, freezer, or cupboard.
Top Recipe Tip
- The most important tip to remember when roasting a chicken is to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through and reduces any risks of food-borne illnesses.
- Always use a digital meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken while it's cooking and do not rely on visuals alone - even if the chicken is golden brown, it's possible that it hasn't cooked evenly inside.
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Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
Looking for a delicious and easy way to make a rotisserie-style chicken dinner that tastes even better than it looks? Then try my recipe for Dutch Oven Whole Chicken that's roasted with homemade garlic butter.
Ingredients
- 4 - 6 pound whole chicken
- ¼ cup homemade garlic butter; melted
- 1 tablespoon Lawry's Seasoning Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Using paper towels, pat the chicken dry.
- Cut a piece of kitchen twine and tie the legs and wings up if you prefer.
- Spread the melted Homemade Garlic Butter all over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the seasoning salt evenly over the whole chicken.
- Add the chicken breast-side up into the dutch oven.
- Cook the chicken for one hour uncovered, then cover and continue to to cook another 60 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Turn the broiler on and allow the chicken to cook until golden brown for 2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
- Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes with the lid (or aluminum foil) on before carving.
- Serve.
Notes
Always use a thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken while it's cooking and do not rely on visuals alone. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1149Total Fat: 69gSaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 40gCholesterol: 418mgSodium: 1219mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 124g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
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