The recipe for “Roast Chicken With Herb Butter, Onions and Garlic” from Bon Appétit magazine promises a tantalizing experience for your taste buds and a delightful aroma that will fill your kitchen. This dish is perfect for a comforting family Sunday dinner or any special occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: Whole Chicken
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Winter, Weeknight, Roast, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
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Herb Butter Mixture:
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
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Main Ingredients:
- 1 roasting chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds)
- 3 onions, peeled and quartered
- 14 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- All-purpose flour for sauce thickening
Instructions
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Prepare Herb Butter:
- Mix softened butter with chopped parsley, thyme leaves, rosemary leaves, fennel seeds, and coarse salt until well blended. This can be prepared up to a day ahead and refrigerated, but bring it to room temperature before using.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C) and position a rack in the bottom third of the oven.
- Season the main cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper, then fill it with herb sprigs for added flavor.
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Prepare for Roasting:
- Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers under the breast and upper part of the legs. This creates pockets for the herb butter.
- Spread 3 tablespoons of the herb butter mixture under the skin on the breast and upper leg meat.
- Place the chicken on a rack in a large roasting pan and loosely tie the legs together to maintain its shape.
- Scatter the quartered onions around the chicken.
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Roasting Process:
- Brush the chicken and onions with 2 tablespoons of the herb butter mixture, then sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Adding Garlic and Continuing Roasting:
- After the initial 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and scatter the peeled garlic cloves around the chicken.
- Brush the chicken, onions, and garlic with 1 tablespoon of the herb butter mixture.
- Return the pan to the oven and roast everything for another 30 minutes.
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Final Roasting Stage:
- Brush the remaining herb butter mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Continue roasting until the chicken is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°F (about 82°C), which should take approximately 30 minutes more.
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Preparing the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a platter and surround it with the roasted onions and garlic. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Set the roasting pan over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Add the chicken broth and white wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Pour the pan juices into a large glass measuring cup and spoon off any excess fat.
- Pour the de-fatted juices into a medium saucepan, stir in enough all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste, and bring it to a simmer.
- Whisk constantly until the sauce slightly thickens, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serving:
- Serve the roasted chicken with the delicious herb butter sauce drizzled over the top.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1413.2
- Total Fat: 104.9g
- Saturated Fat: 37g
- Cholesterol: 441.1mg
- Sodium: 680.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.8g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 94.2g
Review and Tips:
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 6 reviews, this recipe is celebrated for its rich flavors and straightforward preparation. To ensure success, consider these tips:
- Make sure to bring the herb butter to room temperature before using it to ensure even distribution and flavor.
- Tenting the chicken with foil after roasting helps retain its juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce according to your taste preference, as it adds a final touch of richness to the dish.
This roast chicken recipe not only promises a mouthwatering meal but also fills your home with the comforting aromas of roasted garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy winter evening or any time you crave a hearty, home-cooked dinner. Enjoy!
