Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This Cajun Roast Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bursting with authentic Cajun spices and tender, juicy chicken. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and impressive enough for a weekend gathering. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (see note below for homemade option)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
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Spice it Up: In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this spice mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring every inch is coated.
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Oil & Stuff: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon quarters, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.
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Roast the Chicken: Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables.
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Bake to Perfection: Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking will help keep it moist.
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Rest & Serve: 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. Serve with the roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
Don't have store-bought Cajun seasoning? No problem! Here's a simple recipe:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Cajun Roast Chicken:
- Dry the chicken thoroughly: This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Allow for proper air circulation around the chicken for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest: Resist the urge to carve it immediately! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Variations:
- Add some heat: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper for a spicier chicken.
- Citrus twist: Add orange or grapefruit slices along with the lemon.
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage, parsley, or marjoram.
- Vegetable variations: Use other root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Cajun Roast Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are surprisingly easy to make. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!