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.

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.

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.

Table of Contents

• What is a Dutch Oven?
• What size Dutch Oven for Whole Chicken?
• Helpful Kitchen Tools
• Main Ingredients Needed
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• When is a Whole Chicken Cooked?
• Serving Tips
• 💡Recipe FAQ
• Storage Tips
• Top Recipe Tip
• 🌟Try these recipes next...
• 📇Recipe Card
• 💬 Comments

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

This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, click here.

Overmont 5.5QT Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid Cookbook Heavy-Duty Casserole with Dual handles for Braising, Stews, Roasting, Bread BakingKerilyn 4.5 QT Enameled Oval Dutch Oven Pot with Lid and Dual Handles, Cast Iron Dutch Oven for Cooking, Bread Baking, Non-stick Enamel Coated Cookware (Blue)ThermoPro TP03 Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking Kitchen Food Candy Instant Read Thermometer with Backlight and Magnet for Oil Deep Fry BBQ Grill Smoker ThermometerS & C Kitchen - Cast Iron Cleaner with a Bamboo Scrub Brush - 4 by 4-inch Stainless Steel Chainmail - Cleans Pans, Wok, Skillets etc. - Cast Iron Brush Scrubber – 1 PC + Stainless Steel Chainmail

 

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: 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.
• Step 2: 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 3: Spread the melted Homemade Garlic Butter all over the chicken. Sprinkle Lawry's Seasoning Salt evenly over the whole chicken.

• Step 4: 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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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.

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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📇Recipe Card