why make this recipe
This Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken is easy and full of flavor. It blends sweet honey with a little spice. You can feed a family with one bird. The roast makes a good main dish and also gives tasty leftovers you can use in other meals like ways to use rotisserie chicken.
introduction
This recipe uses simple pantry spices and honey. You coat the whole chicken and roast it. The result is a golden, sticky skin and juicy meat. The steps are clear and you do not need special skills. If you want a crisp finish or smaller pieces, see tips on air fryer chicken size and crisping.
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 rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

how to serve Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
Carve the chicken and place pieces on a serving platter. Spoon any pan juices over the meat. Serve with simple sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a green salad. Leftover meat also works well in sandwiches or salads.
how to store Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature for no more than two hours. Wrap leftovers in foil or store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the carved meat in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
tips to make Sweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the skin brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Let the bird rest 10 minutes to keep juices in the meat.
- If you want extra caramelized skin, brush more honey in the last 10 minutes.
- For quick meals with the leftovers, see quick chicken meals ideas.
variation (if any)
- Make it less spicy by leaving out the cayenne.
- Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Rub lemon zest under the skin for a bright note.
- Roast smaller pieces (legs or breasts) for shorter cook time.
FAQs
Q: Can I use skinless chicken?
A: You can, but the skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
Q: Can I bake at a higher temp to save time?
A: You can raise the oven, but watch the skin so it does not burn. Use a thermometer to keep the meat safe.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C). Check the thickest part with a thermometer.
Q: Can I prepare the chicken ahead?
A: Yes. Coat it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before roasting for more flavor.
Q: Is this recipe sweet or spicy?
A: It is sweet with a mild kick from cayenne. Adjust spice to your taste.
Conclusion
For a related take with a similar sweet and spicy profile, see this Sweet Heat Barbecue Baked Chicken recipe on Tabitha Talks Food: Sweet Heat Barbecue Baked Chicken – Tabitha Talks Food.
PrintSweet Heat Whole Roasted Chicken
A flavorful whole roasted chicken coated with a sweet honey and spice mixture, perfect for family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
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 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 rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the skin brown. Brush more honey in the last 10 minutes for extra caramelized skin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: roasted chicken, sweet heat chicken, honey chicken, dinner recipe, family meal