Roasted Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Family Meal
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Roasted chicken is a classic dish that never fails to impress. With its tender meat and flavorful crispy skin, this recipe combines simple ingredients and a few easy steps to create a mouth-watering meal your whole family will love. Whether you’re preparing a Sunday dinner or hosting a special gathering, this roasted chicken recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple yet refined recipe for roasted chicken.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 1 kg |
| Coarse salt | 10 g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Fresh sage leaves | 5 |
| Bay leaves | 2 |
| Fresh rosemary sprigs | 2 |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed (for basting) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 350 |
| Protein | Approx. 35g |
| Fat | Approx. 25g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 1g |
| Fiber | Approx. 1g |
| Sodium | Approx. 250mg |
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To begin preparing your roasted chicken, the first step is to secure the chicken so it keeps its shape during cooking. Using a kitchen twine or elastic roasting band, tie the legs together tightly. Stretch the band over the lower part of the thighs, pulling it around the back of the chicken to secure it neatly. This will help ensure that the chicken maintains a uniform shape as it cooks, resulting in even browning and juicy meat.
Step 2: Make the Herb Mixture
Next, it’s time to create an aromatic herb rub that will infuse the chicken with flavors as it roasts. Place the coarse salt, bay leaves, garlic cloves (peeled), fresh sage, rosemary, and dried oregano into a food processor or blender. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. The combination of herbs and garlic will give the chicken a beautiful, fragrant flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Chicken for Roasting
Place your tied chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and rub it generously onto the skin of the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. This will help the chicken skin become crispy and golden as it roasts. Once the chicken is coated with olive oil, take the herb mixture and rub it all over the outside and inside of the chicken, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. Massage it in with your hands for the best coverage.
Step 4: Roasting the Chicken
Now it’s time to roast the chicken. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) on the static (conventional) setting. Place the chicken in the oven and roast it for about 1 hour. During this time, the chicken will slowly cook and develop a golden, crispy skin. Be sure to baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful. This will also help enhance the crispy texture of the skin.
Step 5: Flip the Chicken for Even Cooking
Halfway through the roasting process, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and turn it over. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on both sides. After flipping it, return the chicken to the oven and continue roasting, basting with the juices every 20 minutes or so. This will ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
After the full cooking time has passed, it’s time to check if the chicken is done. To ensure it’s perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the center of the chicken’s thigh (the thickest part). The internal temperature should reach 72°C (165°F). If it’s not quite there, return the chicken to the oven for a few more minutes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful. After the rest period, carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Chicken
- Basting is key: Make sure to baste the chicken periodically during the cooking process to keep it juicy and flavorful. The rendered fat in the pan will help achieve this.
- Internal temperature: Always check the internal temperature to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The thigh should reach 72°C (165°F) for the chicken to be safe to eat.
- Herb variation: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or tarragon, for a unique flavor profile.
- Crispy skin: For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or even a comforting grain like quinoa or couscous. For an added touch of flavor, drizzle some of the pan juices over your vegetables or potatoes. This ensures that nothing goes to waste and every bite is full of flavor.
Conclusion
This roasted chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet impressive dish to prepare. With just a few key ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a succulent, aromatic roasted chicken that is sure to be the centerpiece of any meal. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly roasted chicken, and savor every juicy bite!
