Roasted chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—effortless enough to throw together before a busy day, yet special enough for Sunday dinner. Whether you’re aiming to wow the family at the table or get a head start on meal prep, a perfectly golden roast never disappoints. Even better, with just a few pantry staples you can turn that same bird into an entirely new flavour adventure. In this post, I’m sharing three fuss-free rubs to keep your roast exciting all week long:
- A Mediterranean herb and garlic rub on spatchcocked chicken
- An Asian-inspired soy ginger glaze on crispy oven wings
- A sweet and tangy BBQ rub on bone-in thighs and legs
1. Mediterranean Herb & Garlic Spatchcock Chicken
Cut: Whole chicken, spatchcocked
Method: Oven-roasted
This simple herb rub makes a whole roasted chicken feel special without a lot of effort. By spatchcocking the bird (removing the backbone so it lays flat), you get a faster, more even roast with crispy skin.
Ingredients: (for 1 lb. of chicken)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp dill
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To:
- Spatchcock the chicken or ask your butcher to do it.
- Rub the mixture under and over the skin. Let rest for 30 minutes.
- Roast on a baking rack at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Leverage Leftovers:
- Shred into Mediterranean salads with greens, cucumber, and feta
- Add to wraps with hummus and roasted vegetables
- Serve in grain bowls with olives, tomatoes, and lemon dressing
Food Safety Tips for Chicken:
- Wash your hands and surfaces before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat items.
- Don’t rinse raw chicken—it spreads bacteria. Pat it dry instead.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3–4 days.
2. Glazed Soy-Ginger Wings
Cut: Chicken wings
Method: Oven-roasted or air-fried
These wings are sticky, savoury, and full of flavour. Perfect for dinner or entertaining. The marinade also works well on thighs or drumsticks.
Ingredients: (for 1 lb. of chicken)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp Alberta Honey
- 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp five spice powder (optional)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
How To:
- Prepare wet-rub/marinade in a bowl or ziploc bag. Toss wings in wet-rub spice mixture until well coated.
- Place on a lined baking sheet or rack.
- Roast at 425°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier skin, if desired.
Leverage Leftovers:
- Chop leftover wings for lettuce wraps with shredded vegetables
- Add to fried rice or noodle stir-fries
- Use any unused glaze on roasted vegetables!
3. Sweet & Tangy BBQ Chicken Thighs and Legs
Cut: Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks
Cook Method: Roasted, air-fried or grilled!
This rub combines sweet, smoky, and tangy notes—perfect for casual dinners or weekend meal prep.
Sweet & Tangy BBQ Rub
Ingredients: (for 1 lb. of chicken)
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp dry mustard
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To:
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir well
- Pat chicken dry. Coat evenly with the rub.
- Roast at 400°F for 40–45 minutes, or until fully cooked. Alternatively, cook in air-fryer per directions, or grill!
- Optionally, brush with a little extra vinegar and honey near the end of cooking.
Leverage Leftovers:
- Shred into BBQ chicken sliders or wraps
- Add to rice bowls with corn and black beans
- Mix into quesadillas with cheddar and peppers
Wrap-Up
One chicken. Three flavours. Plenty of options. Whether you’re cooking a whole bird or roasting individual pieces, a good rub makes all the difference. These simple recipes are a great way to keep dinner interesting and make the most of your time in the kitchen. Let me know which version your family liked best!
For more family-friendly meals and tips, visit GetJoyfull.com or follow along on Instagram @GetJoyfull. Also, for more tips on preparing chicken or family farms visit them at chicken.ab.ca anytime.
Joyfully,
Emily
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Alberta Chicken Producers, an organization that supports family chicken farms across Alberta, and promotes the health and nutrition benefits of chicken.