Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Then look no further! This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Chef Jonathan Waxman, delivers a perfectly roasted chicken bursting with bright, fresh flavors. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting homemade meal. Get ready to elevate your dinner routine with this easy recipe that's packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy skin.
Step 2: Season and Stuff the Chicken
Place the lemon halves, rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic inside the chicken cavity. Drizzle the chicken generously with olive oil, then season it liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and 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 starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the chicken with foil.
Step 4: Rest and 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. Carve and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious aromas and flavors of this simple yet elegant dish.
Tips for the Best Roasted Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy and flavorful chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting. Simply submerge the chicken in a saltwater solution (1/4 cup salt per quart of water).
- High Heat: Roasting at a higher temperature helps to crisp the skin.
- Basting: For extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the chicken has enough space in the roasting pan for even cooking.
Variations:
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or parsley.
- Vegetables: Add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the roasting pan for a complete meal.
- Citrus: Substitute the lemon with orange or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. It's a healthy meal, perfect for a quick dinner, and easily adaptable to your preferences. This delicious dish showcases the power of fresh ingredients and simple techniques, making it a recipe you'll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. Enjoy the wonderful flavors of this Chef Jonathan Waxman-inspired roasted chicken!