Description

There’s something magical about a perfectly roasted chicken—crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and a rich aroma that fills the kitchen. Pollo rostizado, or rotisserie chicken, is a classic dish enjoyed around the world, and for a good reason. It’s delicious, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to suit a variety of meals. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special weekend feast, pollo rostizado can satisfy a crowd.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the steps for making pollo rostizado at home, from selecting the right chicken to seasoning it for maximum flavor. We’ll also explore variations, side dishes, and creative ways to use leftovers. Additionally, we’ll provide internal links to other related recipes and techniques on the OllieRecipes website to enhance your cooking experience.

Ingredients

Scale

To make the perfect pollo rostizado, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
1 lemon, halved
4–5 garlic cloves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. If you’d like, you can arrange vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions around the chicken to roast at the same time.
Roast for 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices to keep the chicken moist. The chicken is done when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender meat.

For rotisserie instructions, follow the manufacturer’s directions for your rotisserie oven. The cooking time is typically about the same, and the rotating spit ensures that the chicken is evenly browned on all sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: per serving, based on 6 servings
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Sugar: 0-2 grams
Sodium: 600-800 mg
Fat: 20-25 grams
Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
Carbohydrates: 0-5 grams
Fiber: 0-1 grams
Protein: 30-35 grams
Cholesterol: 120-140 mg