Why You’ll Love Divorce Chicken Recipe
Divorce Chicken is a legendary dish that’s juicy, crispy, and packed with deep, rich flavors. This roasted chicken recipe is known for its irresistible golden-brown skin, tender meat, and bold seasonings that make it so delicious, it’s almost too good.
The story behind the name? Some say it’s so good that if you make it for your spouse, they’ll realize they could never live without your cooking… or that they’ll never find anything better and will regret ever leaving! Either way, this dish is bound to impress with its crispy, golden skin, juicy meat, and bold flavors.
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality roast chicken that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for a dinner party, this is it.
Pure Comfort Divorce Chicken
Few things compare to a perfectly roasted chicken crispy, golden skin, tender meat that practically falls off the bone, and a deeply savory flavor from herbs, butter, and spices. This dish is pure comfort food, made with simple ingredients but delivering five-star flavor.
Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also versatile. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, and you have a complete, comforting meal.
Ingredients of Divorce Chicken
What You Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for stuffing
Time to Cook Divorce Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Steps to Make Divorce Chicken Recipe
Make Divorce Chicken Perfect
- Prepare the Chicken – Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, and place it on a roasting rack in a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
- Make the Seasoning Butter – In a small bowl, mix together butter, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Season the Chicken – Rub the butter mixture under the skin and all over the surface of the chicken, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the Chicken – Place the lemon halves, quartered onion, and fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
- Truss the Chicken (Optional) – Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly.
- Roast to Perfection – Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh).
- Rest and Serve – Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps keep it juicy. Serve with your favorite sides!
Mix It Up
- Make it spicy – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Citrus twist – Swap the lemon for orange or lime for a slightly different flavor.
- Herb overload – Use fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for a more herbaceous taste.
- Crispier skin – Broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes for an extra crispy finish.
Perfect Partners
Serve Divorce Chicken with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and perfect for soaking up the juices.
- Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- A fresh green salad – Balances the richness of the chicken.
- Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping into the pan drippings.
Busy Day Hero
Need a quick dinner solution? Prepare the marinade in advance and let the chicken sit in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven no last-minute prep needed!
Work Ahead
You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast.
Save Some For Later
Leftover chicken? Use it for:
- Chicken sandwiches or wraps
- Chicken salad
- Soup or chicken tacos
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep it juicy.
Everyone’s Happy
This dish is a hit with kids, adults, and dinner guests alike. It’s fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Good For You Too
- Packed with protein – A nutritious, satisfying meal.
- Rich in healthy fats – From olive oil and butter.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly – Great for different dietary needs.
Easy Clean Up
- Line your roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Use a roasting rack to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Soak your pan immediately after roasting to make washing easier.
Switch It Up
- Grill it! – Instead of roasting, cook it on a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor.
- Slow-cooker version – Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then crisp the skin in the oven.
- Air fryer method – Roast at 360°F for about 1 hour, flipping halfway.
Simply Perfect Divorce Chicken
This crispy, juicy, and flavorful Divorce Chicken is the perfect roasted chicken recipe. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s easy, impressive, and guaranteed to be delicious.
FAQs of Divorce Chicken
1. Why is it called Divorce Chicken?
Some say it’s so good your spouse will never leave you, while others joke that if you make it once, you’ll never want to cook anything else!
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer it should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs will cook faster, about 30-35 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
4. What’s the secret to crispy skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and roast at a high temperature for the first 15 minutes.
5. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes! It actually helps develop even more flavor. Just cover and refrigerate.
6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F to keep it juicy.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
- Ground Beef Vegetable Soup
- What Do the French Eat with Quiche?
- Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken at Home
Conclusion of Divorce Chicken
Divorce Chicken is the ultimate crispy, juicy, and flavorful roasted chicken. Whether for a weeknight dinner, date night, or special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s almost too good!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Divorce Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Divorce Chicken is a crispy, juicy, and deeply flavorful roasted chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, and spices creates a rich, savory taste that makes this dish unforgettable. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting, delicious meal.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
3 tablespoons butter, softened
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for stuffing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry and place it on a roasting rack in a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, and fresh herbs. Tie the legs with kitchen twine (optional). Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 1 hour, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes. Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Divorce Chicken, crispy roasted chicken, flavorful baked chicken, juicy whole chicken