Growing up, one of my mom’s signature weeknight dishes was a simple roast chicken. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with a rotating cast of herbs and spices, it filled our home with an irresistible aroma that let us know dinner was almost ready.
ATK Kids
You Can Be a Winner with This Fancy Chicken Dinner
With a pantry-friendly ingredient lineup and a simple pan sauce but without fussy techniques or special equipment, this will be a favorite roast chicken recipe for you (and your teen chef).
By Published Apr. 4, 2022.
As I approached my teenage years and became her sous chef, I stepped up as the designated spice selector for our many roast chicken dinners. Although not every spice combo was a hit, it was fun to experiment and a simple way my grumpy teen self could lend a hand in the kitchen.
Sign up for the Cook's Country Dinner Tonight newsletter
10 ingredients. 45 minutes. Quick, easy, and fresh weeknight recipes.
America's Test Kitchen will not sell, rent, or disclose your email address to third parties unless otherwise notified. Your email address is required to identify you for free access to content on the site. You will also receive free newsletters and notification of America's Test Kitchen specials.
Fast forward to today: I’m the adult, and my team here at ATK Kids just released our first cookbook for teenagers, The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs. Inside is a recipe for Spice-Rubbed Roast Chicken that reminds me of the chicken I helped make as a teen—but even better. (No offense, Mom, if you’re reading this.)
Book
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs
Whether looking to make a TikTok–worthy giant cookie or simply learn the basic cooking techniques to get started in the kitchen, this teen-approved cookbook has something for everyone.Buy Now
What makes it better? Let’s start with the spices. Each of the three unique spice blends—a spiced mixture of chili powder and oregano, an herby combo of dried dill and garlic powder, and a citrusy mix of coriander and lemon zest—was carefully crafted.
Next: the technique. This recipe does not require brining or marinating—simply place the chicken in any 12-inch ovensafe skillet, rub it with olive oil, sprinkle with your chosen spice blend, and roast for about an hour. While the chicken rests, you’ll use the drippings to make a luxurious three-ingredient pan sauce that truly elevates the chicken from casual weeknight dish to bistro-inspired pièce de résistance. Detailed step-by-step carving instructions with accompanying photos will show your teen how to break down a chicken like a professional chef.
This recipe is so simple that we labeled it a beginner recipe even for teen chefs, yet it’s elegant enough for your teen’s first dinner party. With little effort and high payoff, it’s just the recipe to get your teen excited about making dinner.