Tired of spending hours cleaning up after dinner? Craving a delicious, juicy roast chicken but dreading the mess? Then this recipe using a Reynolds oven bag is for you! This easy recipe delivers a perfectly roasted chicken every time, with minimal cleanup – a win-win for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. Get ready to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without the fuss!
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 large Reynolds Oven Bag
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the perfect temperature.
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
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In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
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Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon quarters, rosemary, and thyme. The herbs add a fantastic aroma and flavor to the chicken.
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Place the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes in the bottom of the Reynolds oven bag.
Roasting the Chicken
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Carefully place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the oven bag.
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Secure the oven bag with the tie provided, ensuring it's tightly closed to prevent leaks. Follow the instructions on your Reynolds oven bag package for proper sealing.
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Place the bag on a baking sheet – this is crucial for easy cleanup and to catch any potential drips.
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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). Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken.
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Once cooked, carefully remove the bag from the oven. Let it sit for 10 minutes before opening to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Meal
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Carefully open the oven bag, allowing the steam to escape. Be cautious as the steam will be hot.
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Remove the chicken from the bag and place it on a serving platter.
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Serve alongside the roasted vegetables. The vegetables will be tender and infused with the delicious chicken flavor.
Tips for Perfect Roast Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the bag: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly.
- Check the internal temperature: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and your oven. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's cooked through.
- Leftovers are great!: Leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano, sage, or marjoram.
- Vegetable variations: Add other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash.
- Citrus variations: Use oranges or grapefruit instead of lemon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This Reynolds oven bag recipe makes for an easy, healthy, and delicious meal. Enjoy! It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its best, offering a delicious dish without the hassle. Enjoy your quick dinner idea! These best recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or for a simple, satisfying weekend meal.