This Surprising Ingredient Makes Roast Chicken SO Tender (2024)

Pan-Roasted Chicken and VegetablesThis one-dish roast chicken with vegetables tastes as if it took hours of hands-on time to put together, but the simple ingredients can be prepped in mere minutes. The rosemary gives it a rich flavor, and the meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. It’s unbelievably easy! —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, WisconsinGo to RecipeFor more poultry ideas, check out these recipes for every way to cook chicken.

Louisiana ChickenGreen peppers and mint add a surprise to this Louisiana chicken recipe. A roasting bag keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. —Jill Werle, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

This dish is perfect for summer, as are these grilled chicken recipes.

Greek Chicken BakeAs soon as the weather turns cold, I know it's time to pull out this go-to recipe. I assemble it in the morning, then put it in the oven before dinner. —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois

Do you know how to bake chicken breasts, too?

Mimosa Roasted ChickenThis aromatic seasoned chicken with a rich and buttery champagne gravy will delight all who taste it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chicken RoyaleTreat your dinner guests like kings and queens by serving them this chicken royale recipe. —Nancy Schubert, Lake Forest, Illinois

Country Roasted ChickenThis Dutch oven roast chicken recipe gets wonderful flavor from the celery, onion and parsley tucked inside. This is my family's favorite way to make roast chicken. When my daughter was away at school, she even called home to ask me for the recipe so she could make it herself. —Judy Page, Edenville, Michigan

For another easy, delicious method, learn how to cook chicken in an air fryer.

Roasted Tuscan Chicken DinnerWhen an Italian friend shared many years ago that she often added Italian sausages to her pan of baked chicken, I had to give it a try! The sausages give the chicken an amazing flavor. Over the years, I've turned it into a one-dish meal by adding potatoes, onions and peppers, and it has become a family favorite that I often use for holidays, spur of the moment company and Sunday dinners. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois

Citrus-Herb Roast ChickenThis dish is one of my all-time favorites. The flavorful, juicy chicken combines with the aromas of spring in fresh herbs, lemon and onions to form the perfect one-pot meal. I make the gravy right in the pan. —Megan Fordyce, Fairchance, Pennsylvania

Honey-Lime Roasted ChickenIt's hard to believe this finger-licking main course starts with only five ingredients. The chicken is easy, light and so good. It's just as tasty prepared outside on the grill. —Lori Carbonell, Springfield, Vermont

Roasted Chicken with VeggiesBright, tender vegetables surround this moist golden chicken seasoned with aromatic thyme. — Mary Beth Hansen, Columbia, Tennessee

This dish is a family favorite. So are these copycat chicken recipes.

Roasted Chicken with Brown GravyFolks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida

Buttery Herb Roasted ChickenRoasting chicken is always such a comforting thing, especially when you can pick the herbs right from your garden and pair them with some fresh citrus to smear across the bird! My family can't get enough of this herb-roasted chicken recipe. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Roasted Chicken with RosemaryHerbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah

Garlic-Roasted Chicken and VegetablesThe first time my Greek father-in-law made this chicken, he proudly shared the recipe with me. It's my favorite way to roast chicken.

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with PotatoesThis is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Savory Roasted ChickenWhen you want an impressive centerpiece for Sunday dinner or a special-occasion meal, you can't go wrong with this golden chicken. The moist, tender meat is enhanced with a hint of orange, savory and thyme. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Garlic Clove ChickenMy Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta

Roasted Lime ChickenThe subtle citrus flavor infused throughout this moist and baked lime chicken makes it a frequent request for family dinners. It's the ideal way to use fresh herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and parsley. —Kathy Lewis-Martinez, Spring Valley, California

Roast Chicken with Creole StuffingI've used this recipe ever since I roasted my first chicken. Our whole family looks forward to it. The combination of shrimp, sausage, ham, vegetables and seasonings makes the stuffing unique and delicious.

Whether it’s soaking in marinade or baking in the oven, this easy-to-prepare chicken allows ample hands-free time. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Roasted ChickenThis tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington

Roast Chicken with VegetablesLove a moist and tender chicken but not the mess of actually roasting one? Use an oven cooking bag to keep a chicken and veggies easily under control. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

My family loves this dish! There's nothing better than oven baked boneless chicken thighs for dinner. It looks and tastes like you fussed, but it is really simple to make. These roasted chicken thighs use healthy olive oil and fresh herbs from my garden. —Pattie Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Roast Spiced ChickenEver have a worn index card recipe from your mother with food stains covering the words? Spiced chicken has been in our family more than 50 years. —Cindy Kanwar, Blacklick, OH

When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona

Apple-Butter Barbecued Roasted ChickenI love cooking so much I sometimes think of recipes in my sleep and wake up to write them down! This dream-inspired dish is my family's favorite way to eat chicken. —Holly Kilbel, Akron, Ohio

When my whole family comes over for dinner, I make a big platter of roast chicken with sweet potatoes, carrots and fennel. My dad leads the fan club. —Kelly Ferguson, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. —Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon

Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root VegetablesI will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

Lemony Roasted Chicken and PotatoesThis one-dish meal tastes like it needs hours of hands-on time to put together, but it's just minutes to prep the simple ingredients. The meat juices cook the veggies to perfection. So easy. —Sherri Melotik Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Baked Balsamic ChickenAs far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska

Glazed Roast ChickenI like to make this for weeknight dinners. You can make this roast chicken with apricot glaze or quince jelly. —Victoria Miller, San Ramon, California

Slow-Roasted Chicken with VegetablesEven a beginner cook could make this slow cooked chicken and have it turn out perfectly. This recipe could not be easier. A few minutes of prep and you'll come home to a delicious dinner. —Anita Bell, Hermitage, Tennessee

Slow-Roasted Lemon Dill ChickenThe lemon and dill in this slow-cooked recipe give the chicken a bright, fresh taste. Pair the entree with a side of noodles or a mixed green salad. —Lori Lockrey, Pickering, Ontario

Slow-Cooker Roast ChickenIt's easy to make a whole chicken in a slow cooker. We save the shredded chicken to use during busy weeks. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas