Skip the preservatives and additives found in store-bought rotisserie chickens and make a homemade version right in your oven with only 5 minutes of work.
This recipe for Rotisserie Chicken creates a juicy, tender roast chicken that stands on its own or is perfect to use in any dish that calls for cooked chicken.
The BEST Rotisserie Chicken
Who loves Rotisserie Chicken? I know I sure do!
Rotisserie Chicken is so tasty, juicy, and convenient! Whether served as the main entree or used in recipes such as Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, or Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice.
The problem? Take a look at the list of ingredients and you will be disgusted. MSG, corn syrup solids, carrageenan, hydrogenated oils, and on and on!
That's why a delicious this recipe for Homemade Rotisserie Chicken is just the recipe you need to keep in your arsenal.
You can make a rotisserie chicken in the oven with only 5 minutes of prep and you will never be tempted to buy a store-bought Chicken Rotisserie again.
The best part is you don't even have to have a rotisserie oven or any fancy equipment. This simple recipe uses an oven, a few dried spices, and fresh chicken.
How to Make Homemade Rotisserie Chicken
- To season the chicken, you want to prepare your own dry rub by mixing together salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme leaves, and a dash of cayenne in a small bowl. It is the perfect blend of spices to mimic store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- To prepare the chicken, be sure to remove any gizzards or necks in the cavity of the chicken, and then pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Brush the chicken evenly with oil or melted butter. This will help the chicken to brown up evenly and help the spice rub to adhere to the chicken.
- Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the chicken and then using your hands, rub the spices in. Brush off any excess rub.
- To roast the chicken, it is best to use a roasting pan fitted with a rack. Pour 1 cup of water into the base of the pan, this will help the drippings not burn as the chicken bakes, and helps keep the chicken moist, from the steam of the water.
- Place the seasoned chicken breast side down on the roasting rack. As the chicken roasts, the drippings will drip down into the chicken breasts, which keeps them super flavorful.
- To bake the chicken, place the chicken into a 300-degree F oven for 2 to 3 hours (depending on the size of the chicken) or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 160-163 degrees. The secret to success when making your own Rotisserie Chicken is to roast the chicken low and slow.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, tent the chicken with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes. This allows the meat to reach 165 degrees F and the juices to have been redistributed through the chicken--which keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Tips on Oven Roasted Homemade Rotisserie Chicken
- Be sure to use a digital thermometer inserted into the chicken thigh to ensure proper cooking. Both undercooked and overcooked Roasted Chicken, is NOT a good thing. A digital thermometer will be a great investment for perfectly cooked chicken, beef, and pork!
- Multi-task and plan ahead and make more than one Rotisserie Chicken at a time. Extra Chicken Meat is a great thing to have on hand to make dishes like Creamy Chicken and Rice, Amish Chicken, or Healthy Chicken Salad.
- Save the bones from your Oven Roasted chicken to make Homemade Chicken Stock.
- If you have an Instant Pot, check out how to make Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This Rotisserie Chicken makes a perfect roast chicken for Sunday Dinner when served with a side of mashed potatoes and glazed carrots. But of course, you can use this chicken for any recipe for leftover rotisserie chicken.
Storing Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Store leftover cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken meat from the bones and store the cooked meat in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
And don't forget to save the carcass from the chicken to make Homemade Chicken Stock or Instant Pot Chicken Stock.
Step-by-Step Video
If you need a few additional tips or a visual guide for making a rotisserie chicken at home, be sure to watch my step-by-step video on YouTube.
Recipes Using Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers, put them to use in one of the following recipes that call for cooked chicken.
- Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Poppy Seed Chicken
- Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Waldorf Salad
If you enjoyed this simple recipe for oven-roasted chicken that results in a copycat rotisserie chicken, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Rotisserie Chicken
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound chicken gizzards removed
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted butter
For the Dry Rub
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- dash of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried spices for the dry rub.
- Brush the chicken skin with oil or butter. Sprinkle with the dry rub and rub the mixture onto the chicken to adhere.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of a roasting pan. Add a rack to the roasting pan. Place the whole chicken, breast side down on the rack on the roasting pan. If using, place an oven-safe digital thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh.
- Bake until the thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 160 degrees F. This will take about 2 ½ hours to 3 hours depending on how large your chicken is. If you do not have an oven-safe thermometer, use a digital read thermometer and check the temperature after 2 hours and 15 minutes and continue cooking until the chicken reaches 160-165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven, tent loosely with the foil, and let rest 10-20 minutes. This will allow the chicken to reach 165 degrees F and juices redistribute.
- Serve the whole chicken as a roast chicken dinner or use the meat to shred, chop, or slice and use for any recipe that calls for cooked chicken.
Beatrice Sutherland
Should you cover the chicken with a lid or foil?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Beatrice, for this recipe there is no need to.
Dee Oly
This is not rotisserie Chicken. It was not turned on a spit. This is roasted chicken, although I am sure it tastes good.
Kristen Chidsey
You are right Dee, it is a copycat version without a spit 🙂
Keith
The chicken came out juicy but didn't like the spice blend. Didn't taste like a rotisserie chicken.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Keith! I am sorry you did not care for the flavor of the rub. I have never had anyone mention that before, but I know everyone has different preferences. All the best!
wayne peterson
Rub the spices in–but if that grosses you out, just sprinkle them on liberally. Now that's funny.
Kristen Chidsey
LOL! Well, I hate to admit it, but for years I hated touching raw meat 😉
Kara
Hello, have you ever done this in a Dutch oven with veggies?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kara! I have added veggies in the past. Just keep in mind that the veggies will not get caramelized (they will be more like slow cooked veggies)
She
Hi! Tried this and my kids said it was good. I am a bit confused tho about the temp. Is this in F or C?
Kristen Chidsey
It is farenheit! I am glad your kids enjoyed.
Kathy Anderson
This looks so yummy... Thanks for sharing - I am planning on trying this tomorrow. I have a 5.5 lb. whole chicken - would it still bake for 3 hours on 300?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kathy! I rely on a digital thermometer to ensure I don't overcook the chicken. I would start checking after 2 1/2 hours of cook time, but plan on 3 hours. Enjoy!
Kathy Anderson
Thanks so much for replying... cooking it this afternoon!
Wendy
This is the best home roast chicken recipe I have ever tasted! Great in the oven as well as the instant pot
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you so much Wendy! I love hearing how much you enjoyed!
C Lang
Kristen, this sounds Great!! My oven is broken. Any ideas?? !
Kristen Chidsey
So sorry about your oven. If you have an instant pot, my recipe for Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken is delicious. You can also cook on low in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours or until the temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Jerry
This was great! Just as good or better than store bought. Make sure you check the temperature before taking out of oven. I didn't because it looked done after 2 hours. But just put it back in and finished it off.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Jerry! AMD yes, always best to check temperature. Chicken can appear done and not be.
Samantha
My family LOVES this chicken! It was sssooooo tender and juicy I have never had anything close to it before! Making it again today and using leftovers for dumplings tomorrow! The whole family is excited 😂
Kristen Chidsey
I am so happy to hear how much you enjoyed this Chicken Recipe Samantha! Enjoy tonight and the chicken and dumplings tomorrow!
Becky Hartman
SOOOO THE CHICKEN DOES NOT TOUCH THE WATER????
Kristen Chidsey
That is correct Becky! The rack should raise the chicken enough it will not touch the water.
Nellie Tracy
Love this! I use rotisserie chicken all the time!
Kristen Chidsey
Makes meals SO easy! I am so glad you enjoy this homemade rotisserie chicken!
Ashley
Perfectly crispy and moist! Will be adding this to our dinner rotation regularly.
Kristen Chidsey
YAY!! Love that you all enjoyed!
dawn W
Easiest roasted chicken I have ever made! Delicious and Moist! My new favorite chicken recipe.
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed this so much! Thank you for taking the time to let us all know 🙂
Sheila
My husband LOVED this chicken. I did a 5 pound bird! I put onion and garlic in the cavity for more meat flavor and I'm making it again tonight to use in a Chicken Pie recipe with my ESL class tomorrow! This is a great find. Thank you for sharing.
Kristen Chidsey
Oh so happy to hear how much you enjoyed