There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of roasted chicken filling your kitchen — especially when it’s sticky, smoky, and perfectly crisp like roasted barbecue chicken legs. Whether you prefer oven-roasted flavor or the quick crispness of air fryer roast chicken, this dish is a guaranteed winner for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this post, you’ll learn how to make juicy roasted boneless chicken thighs, delicious roast chicken in air fryer, and even tips on how to roast a whole chicken in a roaster — with calorie details, serving ideas, and more.
Why You’ll Love Roasted Chicken Recipes
Whether you go for roasted barbecue chicken legs or try a comforting chicken pot roast, this kind of meal offers:
- Bold, smoky BBQ flavors
- Crispy skin + tender inside
- Great for meal prep
- Lower in fat when air-fried
- Pairs with many easy side dishes
From Dutch oven roasted chicken to air-fried thighs, roasted chicken is flexible, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Ingredients for Roasted Barbecue Chicken Legs
To make the juiciest roasted barbecue chicken legs, you’ll need:
- 4 bone-in chicken legs (drumstick + thigh attached)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Tip: For a deeper flavor, marinate overnight in BBQ sauce and spices.
Ingredients for Roasted Boneless Chicken Thighs
Roasted boneless chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful, and cook much faster:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: BBQ or honey mustard glaze
How to Make Roast Chicken in Air Fryer
Craving a faster method? Here’s how to make air fryer roast chicken that tastes just as crispy and delicious — without turning on your oven:
Method: Roast Chicken in Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F)
- Season chicken legs or thighs with oil and spices
- Air fry for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway
- Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving
This method works beautifully for roasted barbecue chicken legs and roasted boneless chicken thighs — and cuts down cooking time while keeping the flavor bold.
Oven Roasting Method (Classic Style)
If you prefer the traditional oven-roasted style, follow these steps:
Method: Roasted Barbecue Chicken Legs in Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Marinate chicken legs for at least 30 minutes
- Place in roasting pan and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes
- Baste with BBQ sauce and roast for 10 more minutes until caramelized
You’ll get beautifully crisped roasted barbecue chicken legs with sticky skin and tender meat.
How to Roast a Whole Chicken in a Roaster
Want to go big? Learn how to roast a whole chicken in a roaster:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Place seasoned chicken (around 6 lb) on a rack in a roasting pan
- Roast uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F
- Let rest for 15 minutes before carving
So if you’re asking how long to roast a 6 lb chicken at 350, the answer is just under 2 hours — perfect for Sunday dinners.
Side Dishes to Go with Roast Chicken
Need some pairing inspiration? Here are side dishes to go with roast chicken:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Farfalle pasta
- Cornbread
- Coleslaw
- Caesar salad
- Rice pilaf
For a restaurant-style twist, try farfalle with chicken and roasted garlic Cheesecake Factory style — it’s creamy, garlicky, and complements roasted chicken beautifully.
Chicken Pot Roast & Dutch Oven Chicken
For cozy vibes, try chicken pot roast — slow-cooked chicken with potatoes, carrots, and gravy. Or go for Dutch oven roasted chicken, which locks in moisture and infuses flavor throughout the bird.
Both methods offer something different: rich comfort from the pot roast, and golden skin from the Dutch oven.
Air Fryer Roast Chicken – Best Practices
- Always preheat the air fryer
- Use light oil coating to promote crisping
- Don’t overcrowd the basket
- Rest the meat after cooking for juicy results
- Add glaze in the final minutes to avoid burning
Whether you’re cooking roasted boneless chicken thighs or a small air fryer roast chicken, these tips will help you get crispy, flavorful meat every time.
Roasted Chicken Calories – What to Expect?
Worried about calories? Here’s a quick guide:
| Type of Roast Chicken | Calories (approx.) |
| Roasted BBQ Chicken Leg (1 leg) | 210–250 kcal |
| Roasted Boneless Thigh (100g) | 180 kcal |
| Air Fryer Roast Chicken (leg) | 190–220 kcal |
| Calories in chicken roast | Depends on portion |
| Calories of roasted chicken | Avg. 200 per 100g |
Compared to deep frying, air fryer roast chicken keeps the calorie count lower while still satisfying those crispy cravings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making roasted boneless chicken thighs, juicy roasted barbecue chicken legs, or quick air fryer roast chicken, this recipe guide has you covered.
Roasted chicken is versatile, comforting, and fits into nearly every diet plan. And with these tips, you’ll be serving golden, flavorful meals that hit all the right notes — whether you’re using the oven, a roaster, or the ever-trendy air fryer.
FAQs
How to roast a whole chicken in a roaster?
To roast a whole chicken in a roaster, preheat the oven to 350°F, season the chicken with herbs and spices, place it on a roasting rack breast-side up, and cook for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
How long to roast a 6 lb chicken at 350?
A 6 lb chicken will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours at 350°F (177°C). Always use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh has reached 165°F.
What to serve with roast chicken?
Popular side dishes to go with roast chicken include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, garlic bread, and even farfalle with roasted garlic. A crisp salad or coleslaw also balances the richness of the chicken.
How long to roast a 7-pound chicken at 350?
Roast a 7-pound chicken for about 2 hours and 20 minutes at 350°F, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. Cover loosely with foil if the skin starts browning too quickly.
Can you freeze cooked roast chicken?
Yes! Cooked roast chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to roast chicken wings in oven?
To roast chicken wings, preheat oven to 400°F, season wings with oil and spices, spread on a baking tray, and roast for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway. For crispier skin, broil the last 5 minutes.
Can I freeze roast chicken?
Absolutely. Whether whole or shredded, roast chicken freezes well. Make sure it’s cooled completely, portion it out, and wrap tightly before placing in the freezer. It’s perfect for soups, wraps, or quick meals later.
