Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Then look no further! This Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Gino D'Acampo, is your answer. It's a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of Italy with this quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg)
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 potatoes, quartered
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it crisp up nicely.
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Season & Stuff: Place the crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme inside the chicken cavity. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
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Lemon Love: Place the lemon slices under the chicken skin and over the breast. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and the juice of one lemon.
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Roast the Chicken: Place the quartered onion, carrots, and potatoes in a roasting tin. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. This creates a delicious and flavorful base for the chicken.
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Baking Time: Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer. If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
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Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with the roasted vegetables – a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Roasted Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting. Simply submerge the chicken in a saltwater solution.
- Temperature Check: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan/Gas Mark 7) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or parsley.
- Citrus Twist: Use oranges or a combination of lemon and orange for a zestier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 40-50g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This simple yet elegant Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking and the deliciousness of fresh, simple ingredients. Enjoy this taste of Italy in the comfort of your own home! This easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire of delicious dishes and healthy meals. It’s one of the best recipes for a quick and satisfying dinner.