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

    Dutch Oven Whole Chicken

    Modified: May 6, 2025 ยท Published: Mar 24, 2022 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 49 Comments

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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.

    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!

    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 SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time: 2 hours hrs 40 minutes 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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    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. Chrissy says

      December 30, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      My favorite meal is bacon mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts on the side!

      Reply
    2. Becca Z says

      December 29, 2017 at 9:12 pm

      Lasagna with a side salad is my fave meal.

      Reply
    3. cyndi br says

      December 29, 2017 at 9:06 pm

      favorite is bbq ribs on the grill

      Reply
    4. Kately says

      December 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      Broiled salmon is my favorite.

      Reply
    5. Maria Beas says

      December 29, 2017 at 2:54 am

      I love grilled veggies. Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing giveaway and Happy Holidays!!!

      Reply
    6. Maria Beas says

      December 29, 2017 at 2:52 am

      I would like to try the natural onion salt.

      Reply
    7. Erin Lane says

      December 28, 2017 at 3:17 am

      Indian Food– mater paneer.

      Reply
    8. Sean C says

      December 27, 2017 at 12:12 am

      I enjoy my mom’s beef stew.

      Reply
    9. Alina says

      December 27, 2017 at 12:06 am

      Love steak and potatoes with some asparagus.

      Reply
    10. heather says

      December 26, 2017 at 9:51 pm

      My favorite meal to enjoy is a ham dinner.

      Reply
    11. Maryann D. says

      December 26, 2017 at 11:31 am

      My favorite meals are stir fry dishes, especially tofu with mixed vegetables.

      Reply
    12. Cheryl says

      December 26, 2017 at 5:32 am

      My favorite meal is a pot roast dinner.

      Reply
    13. Cheryl B says

      December 23, 2017 at 9:29 pm

      I love pot roast and Potatoes.

      Reply
    14. Karen D says

      December 23, 2017 at 7:02 pm

      Macaroni and cheese. Homemade, of course!

      Reply
    15. Dandi D says

      December 23, 2017 at 10:34 am

      One of my family’s favorite meals is BBQ meatballs and baked mac and cheese!

      Reply
    16. Dana Rodriguez says

      December 23, 2017 at 1:57 am

      I love comfort foods. I also love spices! These sound wonderful. Happy Holidays!

      Reply
    17. Karol says

      December 22, 2017 at 11:52 pm

      My favorite meal is grilled mahi mahi with jaasmine rice.

      Reply
    18. Kim Ledford-Burley says

      December 22, 2017 at 9:05 pm

      gf meatloaf mashed potatoes and roasted brocolli

      Reply
    19. jberry says

      December 22, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      I love having roast lamb this time of year.

      Reply
    20. Gina M says

      December 22, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      That sticky orange chicken looks amazing! I would love to enter to win this amazing contest!!

      wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

      Reply
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