There's something deeply satisfying about a roast chicken—especially when it's golden, juicy, and cooked to perfection without any fuss. If you haven’t tried using a vertical chicken roaster, consider this your sign. It’s a game-changer.
Not only does it free up oven space, but the upright position allows heat to circulate evenly around the entire bird. That means extra crispy skin and tender meat—all with fewer pans to clean. Win-win.
Ingredients
- Vertical roaster, we like this stainless steel roaster from Il Piatto Pieno
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1 whole chicken (1.6 to 1.8 kg / 3.5 to 4 lbs)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp kosher salt
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
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1 lemon, halved
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4 garlic cloves, smashed
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Optional: chopped root veggies (carrots, potatoes, onions) for the base
Method
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your vertical roaster on a baking sheet or cast iron pan for stability and to catch any drippings.
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Prep the chicken: Remove any giblets from the cavity, pat the chicken dry with paper towels, and rub it all over (inside and out) with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
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Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and garlic cloves. These infuse the meat with subtle flavour and keep things extra juicy.
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Place the chicken onto the vertical roaster, legs down. If you’re using a model with a center cup, you can add a splash of white wine, broth, or even beer for steam and flavour.
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Roast uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crisp and deep golden brown.
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Optional: Scatter chopped root vegetables around the base of the roaster. They'll soak up the juices and roast to perfection right alongside your chicken.
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Rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, so every bite stays tender.
Serving Ideas
We love pairing this roast chicken with a simple salad, crusty bread, or creamy mashed potatoes. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or chicken soup the next day (if there are any).
Why We Love the Vertical Chicken Roaster
It’s one of those tools that makes you wonder how you ever managed without it. Whether you're roasting for a Sunday dinner or prepping ahead for the week, the vertical roaster makes it easy to get restaurant-worthy results at home—no flipping, basting, or second-guessing required.