Thunderbird Roast

Unleash bold, smoky flavors with this irresistible Thunderbird Roast—a succulent whole chicken infused with a crave-worthy blend of smoked paprika, garlic, onion powder, and a gentle kick of cayenne pepper. This impressive dish is elevated further with fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano, and the cavity is stuffed with lemon, garlic, and onion for an aromatic burst with every bite. Roasted to golden perfection with chicken broth to keep it moist and basted for a beautifully crisp skin, this one-pan wonder is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Ideal for hearty dinners or celebrations, garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a showstopping, flavorful feast. Perfect for searchers looking for juicy roast chicken recipes, smoky seasoning blends, or easy comfort food ideas!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 lb whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 whole (halved) lemon
• 4 whole garlic cloves
• 1 whole (quartered) yellow onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish) fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a large roasting pan with a rack.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.

Step 4

Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Be sure to get some spice rub under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.

Step 5

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon, whole garlic cloves, and quartered onion.

Step 6

Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

Step 7

Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the chicken for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone).

Step 8

Every 30 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan juices to enhance flavor and ensure a golden, crispy skin.

Step 9

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Step 10

Garnish the roast with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2284 grams (2284.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	763

Total Fat 58.00g	74%
Saturated Fat 10.40g	52%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 136mg	45%
Sodium 4265mg	185%
Total Carbohydrate 30.40g	11%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 6.70g
Protein 42.50g	85%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 162mg	12%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1166mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.2%

Protein: 20.9%

Carbs: 14.9%