Engagement Chicken Recipe
Overview:
Engagement Chicken is a renowned dish not just for its delicious flavors but also for its rumored ability to inspire proposals. Whether or not that’s true, this recipe promises a juicy, lemon-infused whole chicken with crispy skin, perfect for a special occasion or a delightful family meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 979.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 70g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 320.8mg
- Sodium: 300.6mg
- Carbohydrate: 9.6g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 76.2g
Cooking Times:
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 3 whole chickens
- 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), placing the rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Wash the chickens inside and out with cold water, ensuring to remove the giblets. Let the chickens drain in a colander, cavity down, until they reach room temperature (about 15 minutes). Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
-
Seasoning:
- Pour the fresh lemon juice all over the chickens, both inside and outside.
- Season generously with kosher salt, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
-
Stuffing:
- Prick the lemons three times each with a fork and place them deep inside the cavity of each chicken.
- Tip: If the lemons are firm, roll them on the countertop with your palm to release the juices.
-
Roasting:
- Place the chickens breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chickens uncovered for 15 minutes.
-
Turning:
- Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven and using wooden spoons, turn the chickens breast-side up.
- Return the chickens to the oven and continue baking for an additional 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) in the thigh or the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
-
Final Steps:
- Once done, remove the chickens from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before carving.
- Serve the chicken with its juices, and pair with sides like boiled new potatoes tossed with olive oil and fresh chopped parsley, and/or steamed asparagus with butter.
-
Enjoy!
- Serve immediately and savor the flavors of this tender, lemony chicken.
This recipe not only promises a delightful meal but also adds a touch of culinary lore with its name. Whether you’re cooking it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, Engagement Chicken is sure to impress with its crispy skin and vibrant lemon flavor.
