Roast chicken has a way of making dinner feel like an occasion without a lot of effort. The smell alone can pull everyone to the table before it’s even done. From whole birds with crispy skin to sheet pan meals packed with vegetables, these recipes give you plenty of ways to keep it interesting. Some are bright with citrus and herbs while others go rich with sweet glazes or bold spices so there’s something for any craving.
Marinated Chicken Wings
These wings roast up sticky and savory with a perfect balance of salty and sweet. The long marinade with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of honey creates deep flavor that cooks into the meat. They crisp beautifully in the oven and make a great centerpiece for a roast chicken dinner spread that everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Chicken Wings
Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Chicken and chunks of sweet potato roast together on one pan with caramelized pecans for extra crunch. The chicken stays juicy as the sweet potatoes soften and the nuts add a nutty depth. This sheet pan dinner needs little prep yet fills the house with an irresistible aroma while it cooks.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes
Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken
Spatchcocked chicken is rubbed with a bold mix of chili, garlic, and lemon before roasting flat on a baking sheet. This method cooks the bird evenly and quickly, locking in moisture and delivering big flavor in under an hour. It is an impressive option for a family roast with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Peri Peri Chicken
Maple Miso Chicken
A glaze of maple syrup, miso paste, garlic, and ginger coats the chicken and bakes into a caramelized crust. The mix of sweet and savory creates layers of flavor that seep into the meat as it roasts. The finished dish has juicy meat and a rich sauce perfect for spooning over vegetables or rice.
Get the Recipe: Maple Miso Chicken
Sticky Thai Chicken
Chicken thighs are coated in a sauce of fish sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and chili for a sweet heat that clings to every piece. Roasting allows the sauce to thicken and coat the meat so each bite is packed with flavor. It is a bold, crowd-pleasing choice when you want something different from classic roast chicken.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Thai Chicken
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Chicken roasts under a glaze of apple butter, garlic, and fresh herbs until the skin is crisp and the inside tender. The apple butter caramelizes slightly, adding natural sweetness that balances the savory herbs. It makes a striking main dish that feels special but stays simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Lemon Roasted Chicken
Fresh lemon juice and zest mingle with olive oil, garlic, and thyme to permeate the bird as it roasts. The chicken turns out moist with bright citrus notes in every bite. This straightforward recipe produces a centerpiece that feels fresh and lively without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Chicken
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
A whole chicken cooks alongside carrots, potatoes, and onions, letting the drippings season the vegetables as they roast. Garlic and fresh herbs bring depth while the long oven time creates tender meat and caramelized vegetables. This complete meal needs only a side of bread to feed a table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with Fresh Veggies
Boneless chicken breasts roast with seasonal vegetables on a single pan until the meat is tender and the vegetables are lightly browned. A simple seasoning of olive oil, garlic, and herbs keeps the flavors balanced and bright. It is a dependable dinner when you want a classic roast with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with Fresh Veggies
Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
A mix of Herbes de Provence, garlic cloves, and lemon infuses this whole chicken as it roasts. The skin crisps to a golden brown while the meat stays juicy and fragrant. It works equally well for a weeknight family meal or a dinner with guests.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Herbes de Provence Chicken
Char Siu Chicken
Boneless chicken marinates in a mixture of hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice before roasting. The sauce caramelizes into a deep red glaze that is slightly sweet with a gentle spice. It is a flavorful change from a traditional roast and pairs well with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu Chicken
Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Drumsticks soak in a marinade of cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime juice that gives them a bright, aromatic flavor. They roast until the skin is crisp and the inside stays juicy. This recipe is simple to prepare yet full of bold seasoning that makes it stand out on a roast chicken night.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Marinated Chicken Drumsticks
Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies
Paprika-coated chicken thighs roast with a mix of vegetables until everything is cooked through and lightly caramelized. The spices create a gentle smokiness while the vegetables soak up the seasoned juices. It is a balanced one-pan meal that comes together without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken and Veggies