Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe π
Overview:
Herb Roasted Chicken is a classic dish that embodies the comforting flavors of winter. This recipe elevates a simple roasting chicken with robust herbs, creating a hearty and flavorful main course perfect for any occasion. With a total cooking time of just over an hour, it’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 213.6
Ingredients:
- 1 whole roasting chicken
- Salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Fresh sage
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh oregano
- Fresh rosemary
- Lemon slices
- Unsalted butter
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). This ensures that your oven is hot and ready to roast the chicken to perfection.
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Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water, then drain and pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps remove any excess moisture from the chicken, ensuring a crispy skin.
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Season the Chicken: Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken while allowing the herbs to shine.
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Prepare the Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chopped sage, thyme, oregano, rosemary, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/8 tsp of pepper. This aromatic herb mixture will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it roasts.
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Create Herb Pockets: Gently loosen the skin of the chicken that covers the breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and the flesh. Be careful not to tear the skin. This creates pockets where you can place the herb mixture, ensuring maximum flavor.
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Add Herbs and Lemon Slices: Slip half of the herb mixture into the pocket defined by each breast half, distributing them evenly over the breast and thigh. Place lemon slices into the pockets between the skin and flesh, with 2 slices on each side. This adds brightness and acidity to the dish.
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Truss the Chicken: Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen string to secure the shape and ensure even cooking. Trussing also helps the chicken retain its moisture during roasting.
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Brush with Butter: Brush the melted butter over the surface of the chicken. This adds richness and helps the skin crisp up beautifully during roasting.
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Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken on its side on an oiled roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes, then carefully turn the chicken onto its other side and roast for an additional 20 minutes. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides of the chicken.
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Finish Roasting: Finally, turn the chicken breast side up and continue to roast until the juices run clear when pierced in the thigh, typically for another 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Herb Roasted Chicken alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.
- Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish with family and friends, savoring each bite of tender chicken and aromatic herbs.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 213.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 17.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7g
- Cholesterol Content: 68.7mg
- Sodium Content: 50.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 1.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.5g
- Sugar Content: 0.2g
- Protein Content: 12.8g
Enjoy your Herb Roasted Chicken! πΏπ
