introduction
This is a simple, tasty roast chicken. It is sweet, a little spicy, and easy to cook. The skin turns golden and the inside stays juicy. You can make it for a weeknight meal or for guests.
why make this recipe
You make it because it is fast and needs few ingredients. The honey adds sweet flavor and the cayenne gives a small kick. It is a one-pan meal and feels special with little work.
how to make Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
Ingredients :
- 1 whole chicken
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix honey, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Coat the whole chicken with the honey spice mixture, making sure to cover it evenly. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

how to serve Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
Carve the chicken and serve warm. It goes well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. Spoon any pan juices over the slices for extra flavor.
how to store Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature within two hours. Put leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, cut meat from the bones and freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before coating so the skin gets crisp.
- Rub some of the mix under the skin for more flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
- Let the chicken rest 10 minutes to keep juices inside.
- If the skin browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
variation (if any)
- Make it less spicy: reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Add herbs: mix 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary into the rub.
- Use brown sugar instead of some honey for a deeper caramel flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
A: Yes. Roast pieces at 375°F (190°C) for 30–45 minutes until cooked through.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Q: Can I make this without honey?
A: You can use maple syrup or brown sugar, but honey gives the best sticky glaze.
Q: Do I need to truss the chicken?
A: Trussing is optional. It helps the bird cook evenly, but you can skip it.
Q: Can I prepare the chicken ahead?
A: Yes. Coat it and keep in the fridge for a few hours before roasting.
Conclusion
For another sweet and spicy chicken idea, see this recipe: Sweet Heat Barbecue Baked Chicken – Tabitha Talks Food.
Print
Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This simple, tasty roast chicken is sweet and slightly spicy, perfect for a weeknight meal or special guests.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the honey spice mixture.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry before coating for crisp skin. Rub some of the spice mix under the skin for added flavor. If the skin browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: roast chicken, sweet heat chicken, one-pan meal, easy chicken recipe