Craving a comforting yet elegant meal that's also kosher? Look no further! This French Roast Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, delivering incredibly flavorful, juicy chicken with crispy skin – a true testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. This recipe is packed with deliciousness and is a great example of how healthy meals can also be incredibly satisfying. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, kosher certified
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 carrots, roughly chopped
- 4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth (kosher certified)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful crispy skin.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine salt and pepper. Generously season the chicken inside and out with the salt and pepper mixture.
Roast the Chicken:
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Place the onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and lemon halves in the bottom of a roasting pan.
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Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
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Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Finishing Touches:
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During the last 15 minutes of cooking, pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This adds moisture and helps create a delicious pan sauce.
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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.
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Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
Tips for the Best French Roast Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- Skin-on vs. Skinless: This recipe uses skin-on chicken for optimal flavor and crispy skin. However, you can adjust based on preference.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
- Herb Variations: Other herbs like sage or oregano would also complement the chicken beautifully.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the chicken and serving size. For a more accurate calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities used. Generally, you can expect a serving to be relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
Delicious Variations:
- Herbed Butter: Add a tablespoon or two of softened herb butter under the skin of the chicken for extra flavor.
- Citrus Infusion: Add orange slices or segments along with the lemon for a zesty twist.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
This easy French Roast Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a fantastic way to showcase the simplicity and elegance of kosher cooking, offering a delicious and healthy meal the entire family will enjoy. Enjoy!