Golden Mayonnaise-Marinated Roast Chicken

Name: Golden Mayonnaise-Marinated Roast Chicken
Prep time: 120 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Française
Ingredients: 1 medium chicken (cut in half); Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, to taste; 1 pinch of black pepper; 1 pinch of dried chili flakes; 2 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon of olive oil; 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon of minced garlic; 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley; 1 lb (500 g) potatoes, cut into thick slices (optional); 1 lb (500 g) baby potatoes, skin on (optional); 1 onion, sliced into rings (optional)

By Marie Lefebvre · Updated November 1, 2026

A beautifully juicy roast chicken coated in a creamy mayonnaise marinade that locks in moisture and builds an irresistible golden crust. This fuss-free recipe delivers big flavor from everyday pantry staples. Serve it alongside crispy roasted potatoes for the ultimate family dinner.

Prep⏱️ 120 min

Servings👥 8 servings

Difficulty📊 Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

8 servings

1 medium chicken (cut in half)
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, to taste
1 pinch of black pepper
1 pinch of dried chili flakes
2 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley
1 lb (500 g) potatoes, cut into thick slices (optional)
1 lb (500 g) baby potatoes, skin on (optional)
1 onion, sliced into rings (optional)

🛍️ Recommended tools

🍗Cocotte en fonteSee on Amazon →🌡️Thermomètre sondeSee on Amazon →🫕Plat à rôtirSee on Amazon →

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Directions

1
Place the chicken in a large bowl, pour over the lemon juice and enough cold water to cover. Soak for 5 minutes to remove any odors, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, paprika, black pepper, chili flakes, parsley and salt until you have a smooth, fragrant sauce.
3
Coat the chicken all over with the marinade, working it under the skin wherever possible for maximum flavor. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
4
Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Layer the potato slices and onion rings in the bottom of a roasting dish.
5
Arrange the chicken on top, skin side up. Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6
Remove the foil and roast for a further 20–25 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
7
Pierce the thickest part of the thigh — juices should run completely clear. Rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving.

💡 Chef's Tip

Mayonnaise is the secret weapon here: its fat content bastes the meat from the outside in, keeping it moist even if it spends a little extra time in the oven. For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.