Are you looking for a simple yet elegant dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this Martha Stewart-inspired roast chicken recipe. This isn't just any roast chicken; it's a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to perfection through a few key techniques. This recipe offers a delicious, healthy meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest! This easy recipe is a staple for any home cook looking to create delicious dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4- to 5-pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
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Pat the chicken dry: This crucial step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken inside and out.
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Season generously: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Roasting the Chicken to Perfection
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Stuff the cavity: Place lemon halves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity. The herbs will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
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Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle the chicken with olive oil. This adds moisture and helps the skin brown.
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Roast: 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).
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Rest: 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.
Tips for the Best Roast Chicken:
- Brining (Optional): For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting. Simply submerge the chicken in a saltwater solution (about 1/4 cup salt per quart of water).
- Temperature is Key: Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Don't rely solely on time.
- Crisp Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or marjoram.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or grapefruit halves to the cavity along with the lemon.
- Root Vegetables: Roast root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
This Martha Stewart-inspired roast chicken recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, flavorful cooking. It's a perfect example of how even a quick dinner idea can be transformed into a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!