Are you looking for a delicious and impressive dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Martha Stewart-inspired roast chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken every time. It's a perfect example of how simple, homemade cooking can create truly delicious dishes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large onion, quartered
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
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In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously all over the chicken, including under the skin of the breasts and legs. Seasoning the chicken well is key to achieving maximum flavor.
Roasting the Chicken to Perfection:
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Place the quartered onion in the bottom of a roasting pan. This helps create a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
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Place the lemon halves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken. The herbs and lemon will infuse the chicken with amazing aromas and flavors.
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Place the chicken in the roasting pan on top of the onions.
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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). The internal temperature is the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Resting and Serving:
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 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 immediately. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Roast Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- High Heat: Starting with a high oven temperature helps crisp the skin. You can reduce the temperature slightly towards the end of cooking if the skin is browning too quickly.
- Basting: For even more flavor and moisture, baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes during roasting.
- Leftovers: Leftover roast chicken can be used in salads, soups, or sandwiches – minimizing food waste and maximizing deliciousness.
Variations:
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as sage, oregano, or parsley.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes to the roasting pan for a complete one-pan meal.
- Citrus: Use oranges or grapefruit instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of the chicken and serving size. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator based on your specific ingredients and portion size. However, a general estimate per serving (assuming 4 servings) would include:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 40-50g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
This easy recipe for roast chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can produce truly amazing results, making it a go-to recipe for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy this delicious and healthy meal!