Miraculously, I’ve actually started to enjoy cooking (thanks to our Meal Plans and a few inspiring food bloggers), and my family is thrilled that we’re no longer cycling through the same three to five meals every week. I steer clear of anything complicated—my mission is simple, healthy, and kid-approved! My goal is for our 13- and 11-year-old to like it, and bonus points if there are leftovers for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
That’s why I love this 5-ingredient, super simple, and absolutely delicious baked whole chicken recipe. The meat falls right off the bone, is incredibly moist, and being a whole chicken, it’s super versatile: I can serve it with veggies, toss it into a salad or soup, make chicken salad, or just grab some for a quick protein boost.
Fun fact: I picked up this recipe years ago while overhearing a woman in the grocery checkout line telling the cashier how she cooks her whole chicken! It’s been a hit ever since—a true winner, winner, chicken dinner!
Why I Choose Organic Chicken
I get almost all of my meat from Costco because they offer a great selection of organic and grass-fed beef, poultry, and wild fish at more affordable prices than most grocery stores. While organic meat and fish do cost more than conventional options, my philosophy is that you either pay now (by investing in quality food) or pay later (with potential compromised health and decreased quality of life). I believe that we are what we eat, so while my goal isn't perfection, I focus on choosing the best possible food for myself and my family to support a healthy, high-quality life.
Choosing an organic whole chicken over a non-organic one has several potential benefits for health, animal welfare, and the environment. Here’s why it’s a great choice:
Health Benefits of 5 Ingredient Baked Whole Chicken
A baked whole organic chicken seasoned with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning provides a range of nutritional benefits, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, protein-rich meal:
1.High-Quality Protein
Benefit: A whole chicken is packed with protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and energy.
Nutritional Info: A typical serving (about 4 ounces) offers around 25-30 grams of protein.
2. Essential Vitamins
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Supports metabolism and helps convert food into energy.
Vitamin B6: Important for brain development and a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin B12: Essential for red blood cell formation and energy production.
Vitamin A (from dark meat): Aids in vision and immune health.
3. Minerals
Phosphorus: Supports bone health and cellular repair.
Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in thyroid health.
Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
4. Healthy Fats
Olive Oil: Adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
Chicken Skin (optional): Provides small amounts of saturated fat for energy and satiety.
5. Low in Carbohydrates
Great for low-carb and keto diets, as this preparation contains little to no carbohydrates.
6. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Italian Seasoning (herbs like basil, oregano, thyme): These herbs are rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals and may reduce inflammation.
7. Low Sodium Option
Sea Salt in Moderation: Sea salt has trace minerals and can enhance flavor without excess sodium when used sparingly.
WHOLE BAKED CHICKEN
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Makes: 4-6 servings (depending on size of chicken)
INGREDIENTS
1 Organic Young Chicken
2 tbsp of Olive Oil
Several shakes of pepper
Several shakes of sea salt
Several shakes of Italian Seasoning
**If bigger chicken, no problem! Just increase the ingredient portions.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Take innards out of chicken
Pat chicken dry
Rub olive oil all over chicken
Season chicken with desired pepper, sea salt, and Italian Seasoning
Place chicken on baking pan and bake uncovered for one hour at 350 degrees F
After one hour, turn off the oven and cover chicken with foil. Leave in oven covered, for 30 minutes.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Calories: 350
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 0g
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