It is possible to make rotisserie chicken at home, and this recipe for Baked Rotisserie Chicken even lets you use a regular oven. It only takes 10 minutes of your time to prepare a handful of super easy ingredients, and you’ll end up with the most tender, juicy chicken every time. Learn how to make this oven-baked rotisserie chicken that’s good for the whole family and make a tasty dinner without going to the store.
The store-bought birds are roasted in a special way, but did you know that you can make rotisserie chicken at home with just a regular oven?
It is! I’ve made Rotisserie chicken in a slow cooker with wonderful results, and now I’ve developed this baked rotisserie chicken in the oven that is just a simple, SO EASY, and SO GOOD!
It’s a great way to have a whole, roasted chicken ready for the dinner table, perfect for a Sunday roast chicken dinner, or get one prepped for the dozens of other recipes for leftover Rotisserie chicken on my site.
A lot of home cooks find it hard to cook a juicy, flavorful rotisserie chicken. Because of things like size, technique, and tools, it’s simple to get a bird that’s not cooked enough or too dry. Don’t worry, though; this guide will teach you everything you need to know to always cook rotisserie chicken perfectly.
Factors That Affect Rotisserie Chicken Cook Times
Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook a rotisserie chicken:
Chicken Size
The most obvious factor is the size and weight of the chicken A small 3 lb chicken will cook much faster than a 6 lb bird. The general rule is to allow 12-15 minutes per pound at 350°F. So a 5 lb chicken will take 60-75 minutes
Oven Temperature
When you cook at a higher temperature, like 375°F to 400°F, the skin gets crispier, but you have to keep an eye on it more closely so the outside doesn’t burn before the inside is done. It takes longer, but the meat is very tender and juicy when the oven temperature is around 325°F.
Oven Type
Convection ovens cook faster due to circulating air. Expect to reduce cook time by 20-25% compared to a standard oven.
Chicken Temperature
A fully thawed chicken at room temp will cook faster than one straight from the fridge. But don’t let it sit out too long or food safety becomes a concern.
Equipment
The efficiency of your rotisserie setup affects cook time. Some rotate and self-baste better than others. Make sure the chicken isn’t crowded and has room for air circulation.
How to Tell When the Chicken is Done
Monitoring temperature is crucial for rotisserie chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
The chicken is done when the thigh reaches 165°F-170°F. The breast may slightly exceed that, which is fine. By the time the thighs are safe to eat, the breasts may have been cooked too long if you only look at them.
Let the chicken rest 10-15 minutes before carving. The temperature will rise a bit more during this carryover cooking, ensuring doneness.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for foolproof rotisserie chicken every time:
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To prepare the chicken, pat it dry and sprinkle it with herbs and spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Rotisserie: Secure chicken on spit and place in oven preheated to 350°F. Use a drip pan underneath to catch juices.
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Cook: Roast for total time based on weight, checking temperature after about 1 hour. Cook until 165°F.
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Rest: Let chicken rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
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Serve: Carve chicken and serve immediately with pan juices for added flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken Cooking Times
Here are the approximate target cook times based on chicken weight:
- 3 lb chicken: 45-60 minutes
- 4 lb chicken: 60-75 minutes
- 5 lb chicken: 75-90 minutes
- 6 lb chicken: 90-110 minutes
Remember, use a meat thermometer and cook until 165°F for the best results!
Rotisserie Chicken Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for extra juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Brine chicken in saltwater solution for added moisture
- Truss chicken tightly so it cooks evenly
- Baste with pan drippings or butter every 30 minutes
- Let rest before carving so juices redistribute
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results
Common Rotisserie Chicken Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when cooking rotisserie chicken:
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Undercooking: Always check internal temp to ensure food safety.
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Overcooking: Use thermometer and don’t go by time alone.
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Underseasoning: Generously season under and over skin for flavor.
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Cutting too soon: Let chicken rest so juices remain inside meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a whole rotisserie chicken in the oven?
For a 4-5 lb chicken, expect it to take 1.5 – 2 hours at 350°F oven temperature. Always check internal temp.
Can you cook two rotisserie chickens at once?
Yes, as long as there is enough clearance in your oven. Add about 15-20 extra minutes to the cook time when doing two.
What temperature should I cook my rotisserie chicken at?
350°F is ideal for a good balance of crispy skin and tender meat. You can go up to 375°F for extra crispy skin.
How do I know when my rotisserie chicken is done without a thermometer?
Check that the thighs/legs move easily and juices run clear when pierced. But a thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken cooking bag?
Yes, it will help ensure even cooking and add extra moisture. Just be sure to remove it for the last 15-30 mins for crispy skin.
So there you have it – everything you need for perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful rotisserie chicken. With these tips, times, and temperature guidelines, you’ll be a master roaster in no time. Now go enjoy that delicious homemade chicken dinner!
What to Serve with Oven Baked Rotisserie Chicken
Since this dish has the classic flavors of rotisserie chicken, it will pair well with many of your favorite traditional side dishes. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner.
This baked rotisserie chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just 10 minutes of prep for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use when making this recipe to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
- Chicken: For this recipe, I use a chicken that weighs about 4 pounds. You can pick any size chicken you want, but keep in mind that it will take longer or shorter to bake. Small ones might be done in less than three hours, but big ones can take four hours or more if you cook them on low heat.
- Onions: You’ll need one to two onions, enough to stack over the chicken in the pan to hold it up. Use large varieties like white or yellow onions.
- Oil—When I bake rotisserie chicken in the oven, I use olive oil, but you can use any oil that doesn’t have a strong flavor. Grapeseed, canola, or vegetable are just a few good alternatives.
- When cooking a chicken in a regular oven, the seasoning blend is what makes it taste like it was cooked on a rotisserie. To make a seasoning that tastes like traditional rotisserie chicken, I mixed salt, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, and onion and garlic powder.
Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making oven baked rotisserie chicken , then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole—This creamy casserole is easy to make and makes a great dinner for the whole family.
- If you want to make a Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Salad, spread a split loaf of French bread with garlic salt, Italian seasonings, and broken or softened butter. Put it in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes while you cut up romaine lettuce, add Caesar dressing, old rotisserie chicken shreds, and cheese. To serve, slice the bread and put the filling on top of it.
- Take a loaf of French bread and split it in half. Spread butter and garlic salt on both sides of each half. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and cover both sides with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Spread half a cup of shredded cheese over the top, then add the rest of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle with more cheese and sliced red onions. Bake until cheese is melted and hot. Top with chopped cilantro and serve.
- Cut up three green onions and put them in a large bowl with three cups of leftover chicken, one cup of shredded cheese, and one cup of celery. This is the Million Dollar Chicken Salad. Place half a cup of bacon, almonds, mayonnaise, and sour cream in the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well, then serve it in lettuce cups, with crackers, or on bread.