roasted chicken
Better Homes and GardensThere are many ways to roast a chicken, but no matter which recipe you use you'll likely find that it becomes your go-to dish, whether you're making a weeknight dinner or cooking for a special occasion. (Lately there have even been claims that making the perfect roast chicken can elicit a marriage proposal.)

But the whole roast chicken can be intimidating. It involves tying up the bird, cooking it to a specific temperature, and then this messy conundrum – how does one go about eating it? Is it possible to slice into that juicy meat without it looking like it's been massacred?

The answer is yes. Though the process of roasting a chicken might seem daunting to the average home cook, chefs from The Culinary Institute of America demonstrate how it can be done simply. Check out their tips and tricks to make a perfect roast chicken, from start to finish.

See below for videos and tips ...

Mastered the technique? Try these recipes ...

• Learn how to make Julia Child's roasted chicken.
• Whole Roasted Chicken with Tomato-Basil Butter
• Country Herb Roast Chicken
1
Jeff Stultz
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Truss It

Trussing is a term for tying up your bird to ensure it cooks evenly. Chef Mark Elia shows you how to do it simply.

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2
Jeff Stultz
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Roast It

Learn the techniques that will ensure your chicken comes out of the oven with juicy meat and golden, crispy skin.

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3
Jeff Stultz
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Check the Temperature

Taking your bird out of the oven at the right time is one of the keys to making a perfect roasted chicken. Learn how to get this timing right by taking the chicken's temperature.

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4
Aimee Herring
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Slice It Right

Now you've got a perfectly roasted chicken, but how do you portion it? Learn the basics to make sure you don't butcher your bird!

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5
Romulo Yanes
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Make the Most Of It

Don't waste your leftovers! Wondering what to do with them? Check out this gallery for inspiring ideas.

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