This is my go-to rotisserie chicken recipe for making super tasty chicken at home with just three ingredients! It’s my go-to recipe for getting that same amazing flavor right in my own kitchen. I don’t even buy rotisserie chicken from the store anymore because this homemade version is so much better, juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Pair it with fries, salad, or whatever sides you love, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress!
Have you ever wondered what makes grocery store rotisserie chicken so good? I used to, too! Then I decided to crack the code and figure out how to make it at home. Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you’d think, and the flavor is out of this world.
The secret? The method! Once I tried it, I was hooked. It all started as a way to skip a last-minute trip to the store for a rotisserie chicken, but now I make this homemade version a couple of times a month. It’s become one of my favorite meals, and trust me, it’s so much better than anything you’ll find in the store. Simple, flavorful, and totally worth it!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just a whole chicken, salt, and pepper, this recipe gives you a juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin.
- Easy and Customizable: It’s simple to make and you can tweak the seasoning to your liking. Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick. The rotisserie method cooks it perfectly every time.
- Great for Leftovers: A whole chicken means plenty of leftovers! Shredded rotisserie chicken is great for salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more, making meal prep a breeze.
- Impressive but Easy: This rotisserie chicken looks and tastes amazing, making it perfect for family meals or hosting guests. The smell of roasting chicken will make your home feel so inviting!
🧾Rotisserie Chicken Ingredients
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this rotisserie chicken recipe:
- Chicken: For this rotisserie chicken recipe, I prefer using a whole chicken. It’s the star of the dish, giving you juicy, tender meat when cooked just right. Plus, the skin crisps up beautifully during roasting, adding extra flavor and texture.
- Salt: I love using sea salt to season the chicken. It brings out the chicken's natural flavors and helps keep it juicy. I always apply the salt before cooking so it really soaks into the meat, making it taste even better.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is my go-to for seasoning. It adds a little kick and a nice, aromatic depth to the chicken. I find that freshly ground pepper has a much more vibrant flavor than pre-ground.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Rotisserie Chicken
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle salt over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
2. Place the chicken on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 4 hours.
3. Tie the chicken with kitchen twine and sprinkle black pepper over the chicken, including inside.
4. Skewer the chicken onto the rotisserie spit, making sure it's balanced, roast the chicken in a rotisserie oven at 401°F (205°C) for 1 hour.
📖Variations
- Herb & Garlic Chicken: Mix minced garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with olive oil and salt. Rub it all over the chicken, including under the skin, for amazing flavor.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken: Combine lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and olive oil. Pop lemon halves inside the chicken for a fresh citrus aroma.
- Spicy Cajun Chicken: Blend Cajun spices (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme) with olive oil and rub it all over for a bold kick.
- Mediterranean Chicken: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add olives or onion slices to the cavity for extra Mediterranean vibes.
🍽 What to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken
This juicy rotisserie chicken is as easy as it is delicious!
Serve it with warm garlic bread or ciabatta to soak up those tasty juices. Feeling like potatoes? Go for smashed potatoes, crispy wedges, or a creamy potato salad.
For something fresh, marinated tomatoes or an avocado salad are perfect.
And don’t skip dessert, a sweet lemon tiramisu is the ideal finish!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Pat the Chicken Dry: Moisture can stop the skin from getting crispy. Use paper towels to dry the chicken before roasting.
Salt for Dry Brining: Salting the chicken draws out moisture, then reabsorbs it, making the meat juicier and more flavorful. Let it rest in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) for the best results.
Truss the Chicken: Tying the legs and wings keeps the chicken cooking evenly, preventing overcooked wings or legs while the rest cooks perfectly.
Balance on the Rotisserie: Make sure the chicken is balanced on the spit for even cooking. A skewed chicken can cook unevenly, with some parts overdone and others undercooked.
Let It Rest: After roasting, rest the chicken for 10-15 minutes so the juices can redistribute, making it extra tender and flavorful.
🐓More Chicken Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this Rotisserie Chicken, you'll also adore these tasty chicken recipes:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer
- Baked Chicken Legs
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Baked Chicken in Chicken Stock
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole Chicken
- 2 tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Dry the chicken using paper towels.
- Sprinkle salt all over the entire chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Put the chicken on a parchment-lined baking tray and chill it in the fridge for 4 hours.
- Truss the chicken with kitchen twine.
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper all over the entire chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Skewer the chicken securely on the rotisserie spit, ensuring it’s balanced.
- Roast the chicken in a rotisserie oven at 401°F /205°C with a fan for 1 hour.
- Remove the chicken from the rotisserie and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to be redistributed.
- Carve the chicken, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
This rotisserie chicken is amazing! The skin is crispy, the meat is incredibly juicy, and the flavor is amazing.