Crispy Golden Rotisserie Chicken Recipe (2024)

You’ve just found a rotisserie chicken recipe that's delightfully delicious, brimming with Mediterranean flavors like zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. If this sounds good to you, stick around because here's the kicker—it's practically foolproof. No joke.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You'll only need a handful of ingredients and very little prep time. Whether you're just starting out in the kitchen or you've been cooking for years, this one's a win. Just a quick note, you will need a rotisserie device, but trust me, it's more than worth it for the flavors you're about to experience.

This recipe is GLUTEN FREE, LOW CARB and KETO.

The inspiration for this recipe:

A couple years ago, I found myself on the patio of a little restaurant in Cadaqués, Spain, overlooking the Mediterranean. Typically, I would have ordered a seafood lunch, but the chicken dish caught my eye for some reason. It was just a simple lemon-rosemary rotisserie chicken and a side of braised fennel. When it arrived, I knew it was something special. Each bite was better than the one before.After finishing, I wrote down some notes in my phone so I could try and recreate this exceptional recipe at home.I've been doing my own rotisserie chickens for years, and they've been good, but not always great. What's different about this recipe? It's the lemons. They do more than add flavor; they help keep the bird juicy and seem to tenderize the meat a little. Best part? It's a straightforward recipe. Took me a few tries, but I finally got it down, and now you can, too.Give my Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Soup a try too... it's the perfect way to use up any remaining chicken in a delicious, low carb soup!

How to rotisserie chicken:

Note: a rotisserie oven or a rotisserie accessory for the grill is mandatory to make this recipe!

Is rotisserie chicken healthy?

The Mediterranean diet is balanced, full of veggies, leans heavily on healthy fats like olive oil, and, yes, it includes lean protein like chicken.When you're loading up your rotisserie bird with Mediterranean staples like lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, you're ticking all the boxes for a healthy meal.Another point worth mentioning is portion control. A rotisserie chicken is great for this. You can easily divvy it up into balanced portions and even use the leftovers for other meals or recipes.In a nutshell, rotisserie chicken isn't just comfort food—it's a smart choice for anyone looking to eat a little better without sacrificing taste.

Is this recipe low carb or keto?

The short answer? Yes and yes. Rotisserie chicken fits like a glove in both low carb and keto eating plans. When you're on a low carb or keto diet, protein and healthy fats are your best friends, and this dish delivers on both fronts.What makes this recipe particularly well-suited is its focus on simple, natural ingredients. We're talking chicken, lemon, garlic, and herbs—nothing processed or sugar-laden here. Plus, when you're controlling the ingredients, you're also controlling the carbs.One more thing worth mentioning: if you're on a keto diet and looking for higher fat content, don't overlook the dark meat. The thighs and legs of the chicken have more fat than the breast, making them an even better fit for your keto goals. Plus, many people find dark meat to be juicier and more flavorful.Whether you're keeping it low carb or going full-on keto, this rotisserie chicken recipe is a solid choice that is packed with amazing flavors too!Be sure to read this article for all the information about if rotisserie chicken is keto or low carb, including tips on portions, which parts to eat and more.

The ingredients for rotisserie chicken:

When it comes to cooking, especially something as seemingly simple as rotisserie chicken, the quality and freshness of each ingredient matters. Let’s take a look at what makes this recipe special:

• Whole Chicken: When it comes to cooking a rotisserie chicken, not all birds are created equal. While any whole chicken will do in a pinch, for the best results you'll want a "roasting chicken," which is generally plumper and juicier than a "fryer chicken." Ensure that the bird is fresh and not marinated!

• Lemon: It's not just for taste—lemon also keeps the meat tender and juicy. Wash the skin well before inserting into the bird.

• Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a rich, aromatic flavor.

• Fresh Rosemary: Adds earthy, piney notes that stand up well to the roasting process.

• Fresh Thyme: Rounds out the herb profile, giving the dish an extra layer of complexity.

• Kosher or Sea Salt: Crucial for proper seasoning and for getting that skin perfectly crispy.

Each ingredient adds something to the recipe. If you want to experiment, try switching things up… maybe add some lime and cilantro for a more Mexican flair.

Special equipment needed for this recipe:

While this recipe is straightforward, you do need some specific equipment to nail that perfect rotisserie chicken. Here are the essentials:

• Rotisserie Device: Whether it's an attachment for your grill, incorporated into your oven or a standalone unit, this is non-negotiable for this recipe.

• Kitchen Twine: You'll need this to truss the chicken, which helps it cook evenly and keeps it intact while rotating. Some birds are now sold pre-trussed… look for these to save time and effort!

• Meat Thermometer: Don't leave the doneness to guesswork. A good meat thermometer will tell you exactly when your bird is perfectly cooked. This is essential to ensure doneness.

Typically, I like making recipes with equipment that most kitchens already have. For this recipe, however, there are some out-of-the-ordinary requirements.

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken

First things first, you'll want to start with a quality roasting chicken. Take it out of the fridge about an hour before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. While the chicken is resting, go ahead and preheat your rotisserie device, whether it's an oven attachment or a grill setup, to the recommended temperature.

Next up, the flavor prep. Quarter a lemon and peel some garlic. Tuck these, along with sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, into the chicken cavity. This infuses the meat with a medley of Mediterranean flavors as it cooks.

Don't forget to season the outside of the chicken generously with kosher or sea salt. For an even cook and to keep the bird intact while it's spinning, truss it up tightly with some kitchen twine.

Attach the chicken to the rotisserie rod, making sure it's well-balanced to avoid any wobbles during cooking. Pop it into the preheated device and let it do its thing. Keep an eye on the time, but more importantly, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Once it's done, carefully remove the chicken from the rotisserie rod (I use tongs to unscrew the rotisserie prongs) and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. Then, you're ready to carve it up and serve.

Follow along in this visual guide on how to make rotisserie chicken:

If you have all the appropriate equipment needed to rotisserie a chicken… the process is really simple! Once you have made it once, you’ll never buy store bought rotisserie chicken again.

How long does it take to rotisserie a chicken?

The cooking time for a rotisserie chicken can vary based on several factors, so let's break it down:

• Temperature of the Bird: Starting with a room-temperature bird can shave off some cooking time. If your chicken is straight out of the fridge, you'll need to add a few extra minutes.

• Size of the Chicken: Generally, a 3-4 pound chicken will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Bigger birds will obviously take more time, smaller ones less.

• Oven or Grill Temperature: If you're doing this in the oven, 375°F (190°C) is a good mark to hit. On a grill, aim for a medium heat. Different temperatures will affect the cooking time, but those are good starting points.

• Equipment Variability: Believe it or not, some rotisserie devices cook faster than others (rotations per minute, proximity to the heat source etc). So it's a good idea to start checking for doneness a little earlier than you think you'll need to.

• Altitude: If you're cooking at a high altitude, you may also need to adjust your cooking time slightly.

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Regardless of these factors, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh to know your chicken is done.

So, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but these guidelines should help you gauge your cooking time more accurately.

Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe:

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Rotisserie Chicken

• Green Beans and Mushrooms: This side is the chock full of earthy goodness. The mushrooms add a savory depth, while the green beans offer a fresh, crisp counterpoint.

• Carrot Mash with Ginger and Garlic: A vibrant burst of flavors that brings out the sweetness of carrots, spiked with the zing of ginger and garlic. It's not low-carb, but still delicious!

• Spicy Roasted Broccolini: This dish takes broccolini to new heights. Roasted to perfection with a kick of spice, it'll make you forget all about regular broccoli.

• Roasted Patty Pan Squash with Parmesan: A seasonal delight that combines the tender, nutty flavor of patty pan squash with the salty richness of Parmesan.

• Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad: Perfect for those hot summer days. This salad is crunchy, refreshing, and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors.

• Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: A classic done right, this coleslaw is creamy, tangy, and the perfect crunchy accompaniment to your juicy chicken.

• Tomato Feta Salad: Light, refreshing, and packed with goodness from the feta, this salad is like a Mediterranean vacation on a plate.

Each of these recipes will add to the overall deliciousness of your rotisserie chicken, whether you made it at home or opted to buy it from the grocery store!

More Chicken Recipes to Love

Chicken is a staple in our house. Here’s a sampling of some other chicken recipes I’ve created over the years:

• Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken: Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this recipe takes oven-roasted chicken to the next level.

• Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe: Seeking that classic, no-fail roast chicken? Look no further. This one is fantastic for Sunday Dinner.

• Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe: Spice up your BBQ spread with these irresistible wings, perfect for game day or any day.

• Grilled Beer Can Chicken (without the beer or the can): Get the flavor and fun of beer can chicken, minus the beer and the can. Trust us, it works.

• Tandoori Style Grilled Chicken: Bring some international flair to your grill. This tandoori chicken is aromatic and packed with flavor.

• Lemon Artichoke Chicken (not low carb): Citrus meets earthy in this delightful dish. It's not low carb, but it's too good to resist.

• Chipotle Chicken Recipe: Want a smoky kick? This chipotle chicken has layers of flavor that'll keep you coming back for more.

If you have any recipes you would like to see on the site, make a note in the comments and I’ll figure it out!

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Rotisserie Chicken

If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, here's how to properly store, freeze, and reheat it:

Storing: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will be good for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freezing is an option. However, avoid putting the chicken directly into a container as it will quickly develop freezer burn. Instead, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. This method allows for up to 3 months of storage without loss of quality.

Reheating: When it comes to reheating, you have two options. For non-frozen leftovers, either warm the chicken in a covered pan with some water over low heat on the stovetop, or place it in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If the chicken has been frozen, it should be thawed prior to using either of these methods.

This approach ensures that your leftover chicken maintains its quality for future meals.