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    Home » Recipes » Chicken and Poultry » Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

    March 24, 2022 By Chandice | 49 Comments | Updated March 25, 2022

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    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken pin

    this post may contain affiliate links

    A dutch oven whole chicken is an easy recipe that’s perfect for the whole family! With incredibly simple ingredients and a few easy steps you can have this crispy roast chicken on the table in no time!

    Dutch oven recipes are the best because they require very few dishes which means easy clean up! Not only that, but the cooking time in a dutch oven is often quicker than in the oven or in a slow cooker.

    Dutch oven whole chicken on a white plate

    If you are looking for the BEST roast chicken recipe, look no further. This is a simple and easy dinner that you can quickly put together and let cook. Using a dutch oven is a foolproof way to cook this delicious recipe!

    When I say this truly is the BEST roast chicken recipe, I mean it. My mom used to make this at least one Sunday a month. It’s just so easy to throw in a dutch oven and let it cook for a few hours.

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    Pairing this chicken with your favorite root vegetables like sweet potatoes or instant pot carrots is a great way to make this a complete meal!

    How to use leftover chicken

    Another reason why this is a favorite recipe of mine is because it makes great leftovers! You can use the extra meat in gluten-free chicken noodle soup, enchiladas, salads, or make gluten-free chicken pot pie.

    Ingredients for Dutch oven roast chicken

    When I say these ingredients are simple, I mean it! You probably have most of these ingredients and spices in your home already.

    Whole Chicken

    For this whole chicken recipe you can use a thawed frozen chicken or buy a fresh whole chicken at the store, the choice is yours.

    Coconut Oil

    For crispy skin and in order for the spices to stick, you need coconut oil or olive oil. You can melt coconut oil in a small bowl if needed.

    Spices

    I like Real salt, Real onion salt, Real seasoned salt, cayenne, paprika, and other fresh herbs. You can add whatever spices you’d like.

    Dutch oven roast chicken on a white plate with red cabbage

    How to make it

    This is one of the easiest meals because all you have to do is season the chicken, place it in the bottom of the pan, then let it bake! No need to add spices or stuffing to the cavity of the chicken either!

    Before seasoning the chicken, it’s important to massage the chicken with oil so that the spices will stick and the skin comes out crispy. After the chicken is covered in oil, you can add the spices and place in the bottom of the dutch oven.

    Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until chicken is fully cooked. I like to use a meat thermometer on the thickest part of the thigh and make sure the chicken is 165 degrees f.

    Pro tip: Serve with fresh veggies, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parsley for an easy way to spice up this recipe! You can also use leftovers to make this lemon chicken soup.

    Expert tips and FAQs

    How to store leftover chicken

    You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You want to let the chicken dry and also make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before serving. This will preserve freshness.

    Can you fit a whole chicken in a 6 quart dutch oven?

    Yes! 5 and 6 quart dutch ovens are large enough to cook a whole chicken and even bake an entire loaf of bread! But for this recipe, simply place the chicken in the bottom of the post and roast until the internal temperature is 165 degrees f.

    Should chicken be roasted covered or uncovered?

    For juicy meat it’s best to cook your chicken covered but if you want crispy skin, feel free to cook your chicken uncovered for the 2nd portion of the cook time.

    Dutch oven roast chicken on a bed of red cabbage

     

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    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

    Dutch oven whole chicken on a white plate
    5 from 3 votes
    A dutch oven whole chicken is an easy recipe that's perfect for the whole family! With incredibly simple ingredients and a few easy steps you can have this crispy roast chicken on the table in no time!
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
    Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: best roast chicken, gluten free roast chicken, roast chicken recipe
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 443kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 1 whole fryer chicken
    • 1 T coconut oil
    • 1 tsp. Real Salt
    • 1/2 tsp. Real Onion Salt
    • 1/2 tsp. Real Garlic Salt
    • 1/2 tsp. Real Seasoned Salt
    • 1/2 tsp. paprika
    • 1/4 tsp. cayenne
    • 1 T dried thyme rosemary, or any other spice you like

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven temperature to 350 degrees f
    • Combine salts and seasonings
    • Spread coconut oil all over the bird then wash hands
    • Massage spices and salts into the bird
    • Thoroughly wash hands again
    • Place chicken in bottom of a dutch oven
    • Cook in covered dutch oven at 350 degrees for about 2 1/2 to 3 hrs

    Notes

    How to store leftover chicken

    You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You want to let the chicken dry and also make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing. This will preserve freshness.

    How to use leftover chicken

    Another reason why this is a favorite recipe of mine is because it makes great leftovers! You can use the extra meat in gluten-free chicken noodle soup, enchiladas, salads, or make gluten-free chicken pot pie.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 443kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1328mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 725IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2.7mg

    This post was originally published in December 2017 but was updated in March 2022.

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    Filed Under: Chicken and Poultry Tagged With: chicken, roast chicken

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sydney Wynne says

      January 06, 2019 at 2:45 am

      5 stars
      This is my go to recipe on Sundays. Its so easy and everyone loves it! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Rust says

      January 01, 2018 at 2:42 am

      Pork tenderloin, seasoned well, roasted.

      Reply
    3. Lisa says

      December 31, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      I love Chicken Parmesan!

      Reply
    4. Melissa Craig says

      December 31, 2017 at 8:29 pm

      Thanksgiving turkey dinner is my favorite

      Reply
    5. Anita Jude says

      December 31, 2017 at 8:03 pm

      My favorite is meatloaf

      Reply
    6. Yevette Parker says

      December 31, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      My favorite is baked chicken! I don’t cook too much since it is only me but it is my fave by far!

      Reply
    7. Erin M says

      December 31, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      My favorite meal is pasta with chicken and carbonara sauce.

      Reply
    8. Stafford says

      December 30, 2017 at 10:56 pm

      Pot roast for sure!

      Reply
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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

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