Butterfly Chicken with Lemon Rosemary Recipe
Description: Delight your taste buds with this succulent butterfly chicken infused with zesty lemon and fragrant rosemary, inspired by a recipe from Nigella’s show. The preparation time includes marinating the chicken for 24 hours, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Cook it to perfection, and it will undoubtedly be the star of your meal!
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Christmas, Hanukkah, Savory, Weeknight, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 4
- Fat Content: 0g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 0.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 0.1g
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken portions (whole chicken, cut into pieces)
- 1/2 lemon
- Olive oil
- 1 red onion
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions:
| Preparation | Total Time |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | 24 hours 40 minutes |
Marinating the Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large freezer bag, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
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Drizzle with Olive Oil: Add a generous drizzle of olive oil over the chicken pieces, allowing it to coat them thoroughly.
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Lemon Infusion: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon directly into the bag over the chicken. Then, cut the squeezed lemon into slices or wedges and add them to the bag.
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Add Red Onion: Peel and thinly slice the red onion, then add it to the bag along with the chicken and lemon.
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Sprinkle with Rosemary: Strip the fresh rosemary leaves from the stems and sprinkle them generously over the chicken and onion in the bag.
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Mix Well: Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets inside. Shake the bag vigorously to coat the chicken thoroughly with the olive oil, lemon juice, onion, and rosemary. Massage the marinade into the chicken pieces to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
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Marinate: Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 24 hours. This extended marination time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.
Cooking the Chicken:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for roasting chicken. Typically, this is around 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and transfer it to a shallow baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken according to the recommended cooking time for chicken pieces. This usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
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Check for Doneness: To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should register at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken pieces, indicating that they are cooked through and safe to eat.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh rosemary and lemon slices for a delightful presentation. Serve this flavorful butterfly chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy a memorable dining experience!
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken before marinating it.
- If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice or zest to the marinade.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the marinade for a unique twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and enjoyed cold or reheated for future meals.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of this butterfly chicken with lemon rosemary, and let each bite transport you to culinary bliss! 🍋✨
