Are you craving that comforting, juicy roast chicken you get at Boston Market, but without the drive-through? Then you're in the right place! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of that famous Boston Market chicken, right in your own kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special Sunday feast. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and healthy homemade meal! This recipe offers a fantastic alternative to takeout, providing a quick dinner idea that the whole family will adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole roasting chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin of the breasts and legs for extra flavor.
Roasting the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the chicken moist and creates delicious pan drippings.
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the chicken with foil.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Boston Market copycat chicken with all your favorite sides! Mashed potatoes, gravy (made from the pan drippings!), roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad all pair perfectly.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy skin: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Add some lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added to the spice rub before roasting adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Herb variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as sage, oregano, or marjoram.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Roast your favorite vegetables (potatoes, carrots, broccoli) alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal. This is a great way to minimize cleanup!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2-5g
This delicious and easy Boston Market chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It’s a flavorful and healthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!