Cooking a juicy, flavorful rotisserie chicken at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can make this classic roast chicken right in your own oven or grill. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to cook rotisserie chicken
What You Need
- Whole chicken (3-5 lbs)
- Vegetable or olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spice rub (optional)
- Butcher twine
- Roasting pan
- Instant-read thermometer
Prep the Bird
Rinse the chicken under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels, inside and out. Make sure to remove any giblets or other innards from the cavity. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with butcher twine so the chicken maintains its shape.
Generously coat the outside all over with vegetable oil or olive oil. This helps the skin get crispy and golden brown. Season the cavity with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can rub a spice blend all over the outside of the chicken. Try recipes like herb butter, lemon pepper, or Creole seasoning.
Choose Your Cooking Method
There are two easy ways to cook rotisserie-style chicken at home
Oven Method
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack.
- Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes to start.
- Reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting for 60-75 minutes more until fully cooked through. Baste every 20 minutes with pan drippings.
Grill Method
- Preheat your grill with rotisserie attachment to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the chicken onto the rotisserie spit.
- Grill over indirect heat with the lid closed, rotating frequently, for 60-90 minutes until fully cooked through.
Check for Doneness
The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh but not touching bone. It should register 165°F when done.
The juices should run clear when piercing the thigh with a knife. The legs and thighs will feel firm when pressed with tongs rather than mushy.
Let It Rest
Once your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature, remove it from the oven or grill. Carefully transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat so it stays juicy and moist.
Carve and Serve
Use a sharp carving knife to cut the chicken into pieces. First remove the legs by slicing through the skin between the thigh and body. Then cut each breast half away from the bone.
Serve the rotisserie chicken hot, warm, or even cold. It tastes delicious on its own, sliced in sandwiches, added to salads, stir fries, and more! Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken
Follow these simple tips and tricks for roast chicken worthy of any restaurant:
-
Truss tightly. Tying the legs and wings neatly helps the chicken cook evenly.
-
Use a rack. Elevating the chicken allows air circulation for crispy skin.
-
Pick a good bird. Choose a chicken between 3-5 lbs with smooth, taut skin.
-
Season generously. Flavor both the cavity and outside with salt, pepper, herbs or spices.
-
Baste frequently. Spoon pan juices over the chicken often for maximum moisture.
-
Rest before carving. Letting it sit after cooking helps lock in juices.
-
Use leftovers. Shred for sandwiches, salads, soups, casseroles and more!
Common Rotisserie Chicken Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls when cooking rotisserie-style chicken at home:
-
Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer for perfectly done meat without drying out.
-
Uneven cooking – Trussing and frequent rotation helps the chicken cook evenly.
-
Skipping the rack – Elevate the chicken so the underside doesn’t stew in juices.
-
Rubbing oil on skin too late – Coat immediately after rinsing and patting dry for optimal crisping.
-
Forgetting to baste – Regular basting keeps the meat moisturized during roasting.
-
Cutting too soon – Letting the chicken rest allows juices to redistribute before carving.
-
Using the wrong pan – Roasting pans with racks work best to promote air circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between rotisserie and roast chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is cooked on a rotisserie spit that continually rotates over the heat source. Roast chicken is cooked stationary in the oven. Both yield similar results.
How long does it take to cook a 3 pound rotisserie chicken?
A 3 pound chicken takes about 75-90 minutes in a 325°F oven or 60-75 minutes on a grill rotisserie. Always check internal temperature rather than relying on time.
Can you use an oven instead of a rotisserie?
Absolutely! Simply place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan with a rack and roast at 425°F for 15 minutes then 350°F until cooked through. Rotate the pan periodically for even cooking.
What temperature should rotisserie chicken be cooked to?
The safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. The thigh area should register this temp when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
Can I make rotisserie chicken in a slow cooker?
It’s not recommended. A slow cooker doesn’t allow the chicken to brown evenly and crispen the skin. Oven or grilling methods work best.
Cooking up your own rotisserie chicken is one of the most rewarding and cost-effective meals you can make at home. In just an hour or so, you can have a beautiful golden bird ready to become the star of tonight’s dinner or tomorrow’s lunch. Once you get the method down, you may never go store-bought again!
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 quick to prep and makes the perfect comforting and family friendly dinner.
- Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Salad– Spread a split loaf of French bread with softened or melted butter, garlic salt, and Italian seasonings. Bake in a 350°F for 8 minutes while you core and chop romaine lettuce and mix it with Caesar dressing, shredded leftover rotisserie chicken, and cheese. Place the filling on the toasted bread, then slice and serve.
- BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza– Split a loaf of French bread and coat with butter and a sprinkle of garlic salt. Place it in the oven for 8-10 minutes, then remove and spread 1 cup of BBQ sauce on both sides. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top, then spread across shredded leftover chicken. Sprinkle with more cheese and sliced red onions. Bake until melted and hot, then serve with chopped cilantro sprinkled on top.
- Million Dollar Chicken Salad– Chop 3 green onions and add it to a large bowl with 3 cups of leftover chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 cup celery. Add 1/2 cup each of bacon, almonds, mayonnaise, and sour cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and serve with crackers, bread, or in lettuce cups.
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 – I use about a 4 pound chicken for this recipe. You can choose whatever size chicken you like, just know that it will affect the overall baking time. Smaller ones may cook in less than 3 hours, while large ones can take the full 4 hours or more when cooked with low heat.
- Onions – You’ll need 1-2 onions total, enough to hold up the chicken by layering them in the pan beneath it. Use large varieties like white or yellow onions.
- Oil – Olive oil is my go-to when I make baked rotisserie chicken in the oven, but you can use any neutral flavored oil that you like. Grapeseed, canola, or vegetable are just a few good alternatives.
- Rotisserie Seasoning – The trick to getting the flavor of a rotisserie chicken in a conventional oven is the seasoning blend. I used a combination of salt, paprika, black pepper, dried thyme, plus both onion and garlic powder to create a blend reminiscent of classic rotisserie.
Simple Steps to the Perfect Rotisserie Chicken | Weber Grills
FAQ
How is a rotisserie chicken cooked?
Rotisserie chicken is cooked by rotating it on a spit over or near a heat source, resulting in even cooking and a crispy skin due to continuous basting from its own drippings.
How long to put rotisserie chicken in the oven?
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place chickens in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat near the bone reads at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 5 hours. Let chickens rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Is it better to roast chicken at 350 or 400?
How do you cook chicken on a rotisserie?
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Season chicken cavity with a pinch of salt. Tie legs together with kitchen string; then tie wings to the bird. Secure chicken on a rotisserie attachment. Place rotisserie over the preheated grill and cook for 10 minutes.
Can you make rotisserie chicken at home?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect as the main dish with French fries and coleslaw, or with any number of other sides. Intimidated by the idea of making a rotisserie chicken at home? We’re here to help. Get your grill and rotisserie attachment ready — you’ll want to try this recipe ASAP. Here’s what you’ll need to make rotisserie chicken at home:
How do you rotisserie chicken on a gas grill?
Preheat the Grill: Light your grill and let it reach a steady temperature of 350°F to 400°F. This range works well for rotisserie chicken. Install the Rotisserie Kit: Secure the rotisserie kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure it aligns with your grill’s motor.
How do you eat rotisserie chicken?
Casserole: Layer shredded chicken with cream soup, vegetables, and pasta in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a hearty family dinner. Rotisserie chicken on the grill is a game-changer for your meals. You get that juicy tenderness and crispy skin without the hassle of takeout.
How do you make Rotisserie Chicken Smoky?
Chicken: Choose a whole chicken about 3.5 to 4 pounds with the skin intact. If cooking in an air fryer, be sure the whole chicken will fit. Oil: A little oil helps the seasonings cling to the skin, making it extra crispy. Any oil or cooking spray works. Melted bacon grease will give rotisserie chicken a smoky flavor.
How do you spit chicken on a rotisserie grill?
Preheat your grill. If you have a rotisserie burner, turn it on. If not, set your grill for indirect heat (burners on at the sides, off in the middle). Slide one fork onto the spit rod, then carefully slide the rod through the chicken (from rear to neck). Secure it with the second fork. Mount the spit on your grill.