Spicy Whole Roasted Chicken with Vegetables 🍗 Cast Iron Keto

Name: Whole Roasted Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-4.5 pounds); 2 teaspoons salt; Water; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon cayenne; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon cumin; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 bell peppers (seeded, cut into quarters); ½ lemongrass (whole); 4 garlic cloves (whole); 6 shallots (cut into halves or quarters); 2 medium tomatoes (cut into quarters)

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Our Whole Roasted Chicken recipe isn't your average roast; it's a perfectly marinated chicken served with roasted veggies. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned pro, with this recipe, you'll get an evenly cooked chicken thanks to our wet brining method.

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Preparation and cooking overview
Chef's note
🍗 Ingredients for this whole roasted chicken recipe
For veggies
Ingredient substitutions
Additional ingredients
Cooking tools required
Tools substitute options
How to make Whole Roasted Chicken: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
Cooking instructions
What to serve with whole roasted chicken?
How to make it healthier?
What can I prepare ahead of time?
Storage and reheating instructions
Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing this Keto Roast Chicken requires minimal effort and a bit of patience. First, soak the whole bird in brine for 4 to 24 hours. Then, season it with a handful of spices and roast it in the oven for 1.5 hours. While it takes time to brine the chicken, the result is completely worthwhile!

Chef's note

Cooking is all about innovation! If you love an Asian twist, rub the chicken with a keto-friendly teriyaki glaze. Stuff the cavity with lemons, garlic, and fresh rosemary for a Mediterranean flair. And let's not forget about veggies! You can add some zucchini or cauliflower to the roasting pan.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Brine Time: 4 hours
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours and 45 minutes (mostly inactive)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🍗 Ingredients for this whole roasted chicken recipe

Gather these top-quality ingredients to make a low-carb roasted chicken at home.

For brine

1 whole chicken (approximately 4-4.5 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
Water

For brushing

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cayenne
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For veggies

2 bell peppers, seeded, cut into quarters
½ lemongrass, whole
4 garlic cloves, whole
6 shallots, cut into halves or quarters
2 medium tomatoes, cut into quarters

Ingredients made ready on kitchen table for the preparation of whole roasted chicken with vegetables recipe.

Ingredient substitutions

Lemongrass: If you don't have lemongrass, substitute it with a teaspoon of lemon zest or a tablespoon of lemon juice.
Shallots: Swap the shallots with red or yellow onions. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces.
Bell peppers: Dice low-carb zucchini or yellow squash and use it instead of bell peppers.

Additional ingredients

Add some optional ingredients to make the most of your kitchen pantry and elevate the flavor profile of this delicious meal.

Vegetables: Cut keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or mushrooms and add them to the roasting pan.
Fresh herbs: Tuck rosemary, thyme, and sage inside the skin to infuse the meat with an aromatic flavor. You can also chop these fresh herbs and add them to the oil mixture.
Lemon wedges: Stuff lemon wedges into the chicken cavity before roasting to get a fantastic zing.
Butter: Combine softened butter with spices and generously spread the butter mixture under the chicken skin to ensure tender meat.
Bacon: Wrap the chicken with a few slices of bacon before roasting. The bacon will keep the chicken moist and add a smoky flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the veggies before roasting. This will give them a beautiful golden crust and a lovely savory bite.

Homemade whole roasted chicken recipe with veggies.

Cooking tools required

To make this Whole Roasted Chicken recipe, you'll need the following kitchen tools:

Roasting pan
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons
Paper towel
Whisk
Brush
Thermometer
Small bowl

Tools substitute options

Roasting pan: If you don't have a roasting pan, use a large, oven-safe skillet or a baking dish. Make sure you line the dish with aluminum foil. It will be easy to clean up.
Brush: No brush? No problem. Drizzle your spice mixture over the chicken, then use the back of a spoon to spread it around.
Meat thermometer: Look for visual signs and adhere to cooking time if you don't have a meat thermometer. Note that the perfectly cooked meat should have clear (not pink) juices.

Low carb whole chicken recipe with vegetables.

How to make Whole Roasted Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

Roasting

Preparation steps

Get all your ingredients.
Measure them in the right quantities.
Wash the veggies, remove the bell pepper seeds, and cut them into quarters.
Peel the garlic cloves and leave them whole.
Cut shallots into halves and set aside.

Cooking instructions

Brine the chicken

Fill a large container with water, add 2 teaspoons of salt, and stir until dissolved.
Submerge a whole chicken in the salted water and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.

Whole chicken submerged in salted water.

Make the spice mixture

Add olive oil, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Mix the spices well and let the mixture sit for a while.

Roast the chicken

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C)
Meanwhile, spread your prepared veggies at the bottom of your roasting pan. Set down a rack on top of them.
Next, pull out the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, place it (breast side up) on the rack.
Brush the spice mixture over the outside of the chicken.
After that, truss the chicken by tucking the wings under the body.
Carefully transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast it for an hour. Then increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) and roast for another 30 minutes. The internal temperature must be 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken thigh.
Once the chicken cooks, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Transfer it to a serving plate and serve with the roasted veggies. Enjoy!

Brushing the spice mixture all over whole chicken.

Trussing the chicken by tucking the wings under the body using toothpicks.

Whole chicken brushed with spice before getting roasted.

Chef's pro tip

A tip to avoid overcooking the chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before serving. This ensures a juicy chicken every time you make it!

What to serve with whole roasted chicken?

Our Keto Roasted Chicken with veggies is a complete meal, but you can pair it with other keto dishes.

Cauliflower mash: This low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes complements the juicy roast chicken beautifully. Its creamy texture balances out the spiced meat.
Keto coleslaw: A refreshing slaw cuts through the richness of the roast and gives it a light and vibrant contrast.
Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of the Charred Brussels Sprouts works wonders with this tender chicken.
Keto salad: A fresh keto salad contrasts the hearty meat perfectly. One of the best salads to pair with this juicy chicken is Caprese Salad, Kale Salad, Garlic Butter Green Beans, Charred Cabbage Salad, or Asian Cucumber Salad.
Keto sauces: Enhance the flavors of the meat by serving it with Keto Chimichurri or Tzatziki Sauce.

Whole chicken recipe with vegetables served on a plate and being placed on a mat.

How to make it healthier?

If possible, use organic poultry and veggies for this recipe.
Increase the number of low-carb veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional profile.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Spice mixture: Create the spice mixture and store it in the fridge. The more it sits, the more the flavors will meld.
Brine the chicken: Soak the chicken in saltwater brine the night before. It's a simple step but affects how flavorful the meat will turn out.

Whole roasted chicken recipe with vegetables served on a plate.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature first. Store the meat and veggies separately.

Refrigerator: Transfer the leftover chicken to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Carve the remaining meat off the bones. Place it in freezer-safe bags for 2-3 months. This frozen chicken is great for soups and casseroles.

Reheating tips

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Reheat the leftover meat for 10-15 minutes or until heated.

Roasted whole chicken with vegetables kept on a plate on kitchen table.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Whole Roasted Chicken recipe is perfect for any meal. The golden-brown beauty steals the show! We bet you'll have everyone raving about it because it is a true family favorite. Enjoy this high-protein and low-carb recipe on your keto diet, and let us know how much you loved it!

Don't forget to share a picture of your creation with us! We can't wait to see it!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! You can use avocado oil or melted ghee to substitute olive oil.

We have used two different temperatures in the recipe because roasting at a lower temperature helps the chicken retain the juices and tender texture. However, to achieve crispy skin, we must increase the temperature at the end of the cooking time.

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks instead of the whole bird. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

To know if your chicken is properly brined, the flesh should look plumper and the skin slightly tighter. You'll notice that the meat will retain more moisture after cooking, leading to the juiciest chicken.

If it is browning too fast, loosely cover the chicken with aluminum foil. It will help prevent the skin from burning while the meat cooks.

Of course! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you don't like spicy food, leave out the cayenne pepper. The great thing about this recipe is that it's customizable.

📖 Recipe

Whole Roasted Chicken

This Whole Roasted Chicken recipe is easy-to-make, seasoned with spices and served with roasted veggies, making it a perfect keto-friendly option.

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Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken roast, keto roast, low carb, Whole Roasted Chicken

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 1 30

Resting Time: 15

Total Time: 2

Servings:

Calories: 376kcal