Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner: A Whole Chicken Dinner Recipe

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! That’s what your family will tell you after you make this delicious, whole chicken dinner recipe! This recipe is one that I make at least weekly for myself. It is divine! I promise you’ll be in love with it too!

What Ingredients Do You Need for the Whole Chicken Dinner Recipe?

I love this recipe the most because it is very affordable. Most of the ingredients you’ll have (except for the chicken but more on that in a minute) it’s just about putting it together. 

The ingredients are simple. You’ll need the following:

• One Whole Chicken
• Seasoning of your choice (I use McCormick’s Roasted Garlic & Herb)
• Butter or Olive Oil
• Potatoes
• Flour
• Water

The ingredients are simple, and most people will already have them in their homes. 

Where Can You Get a Whole Chicken From?

The only place around me where I see whole chickens being sold anytime I walk into their establishment is my local butcher shop, Mac’s Meats. I’ve heard of others finding them sometimes in Aldi’s or even Walmart. At least for me, I haven’t been that lucky. 

I always get mine from the butcher shop, which can run between $7-$8 for two whole chickens. Yes! You’ve read that right I can get two whole chickens for $7-$8. That’s what I call a steal! Typically these chickens are about 2 to 2.5 lbs each. If you are a larger family or want more leftovers, you may want to cook two or find a size that’ll fit your family.

Note: My cooking time will be off if you are cooking a bigger chicken. Please plan that accordingly. 

As for the Side Dish

This will be entirely up to you and what you want to do. I typically use potatoes. I tend to make baked potatoes. It’s easy, and they cook well with the chicken. However, if you want to switch it up, you can always add mashed potatoes or vegetables. 

Directions

Okay, so you got your ingredients, and now you need to know how to assemble and cook this meal! Prep time shouldn’t take you longer than 5-10 minutes max. 

• Preheat oven to 425F
• Spread olive oil or butter over the chicken. Tip: You can also put butter under the skin on the breasts!
• Season with your choice of seasonings. Tip: Using McCormick’s Roasted Garlic & Herb season is AMAZING!
• Place your chicken on a cooking rack in your pan. 
• Optional: Place ONE cup of water in the bottom of your cooking pan.  
• Prep your potatoes. You can bake them separately for baked, mashed, or roasted potatoes, up to you. 
• Put the chicken in the oven for 1 hour. This cooking time is for chickens ranging from 2 to 2.5 pounds. 

Don’t Want to Use Your Oven?

If you are like me and don’t want to use your oven, you can also use your air fryer. You need to set your air fryer at 400F and cook it for about 70 minutes for 2 to 2.5 pounds of chicken. 

I’ve made it in the air fryer many times, and it always comes out as great as the oven method. 

Why Did We Put Water In The Bottom Of the Pan?

I gave that optional step/tip if you want to make some homemade gravy to smother your chicken or potatoes. I always put a cup of water, so I have some gravy to make afterward, and I don’t have to add water after the fact. However, when making gravy, you can always add water after your chicken is cooked to the drippings. Both methods work. 

Dinner is Served. Do You Have Room for Dessert?

You finally ate a nice filling chicken and potato meal that tasted like you were in the kitchen all day, but you weren’t. The next question is, “Do you have room for dessert?” I sure hope you do! Here’s an excellent s’more and a whipped cream recipe perfect for ending the night right. 

If you made this recipe, I would love for you to tag me on social media!