A golden, herb-roasted birthday chicken with crispy skin is a high protein, family celebration classic. This healthy, whole-roasted chicken makes any birthday dinner feel warm and special.
Preheat your oven to 425°F, ensuring the rack is set in the center position.
Pat dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels for crispier skin, then rub the entire chicken inside and out with olive oil.
Season the chicken generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity.
Stuff the cavity with the lemon (halved), onion (quartered), rosemary, and thyme sprigs for maximum aroma and moist meat.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, tuck the wings under, and roast in a large roasting pan for 70–80 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices until the skin is deeply golden and the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.
Let the chicken rest uncovered for 10–15 minutes before carving to keep the juices in and skin crispy.