Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that feels both special and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this roasted chicken recipe, inspired by the culinary queen herself, Martha Stewart. This isn't your average roast chicken; it's a journey to crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy, tender meat, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory feast. This recipe offers a delicious balance of ease and elegance, making it a staple in your healthy meal repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large onion, quartered
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to achieving that beautiful crisp skin.
- Pat the chicken dry: This step is crucial for crispy skin. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken inside and out.
- Season generously: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it gets into every nook and cranny. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
Roasting the Chicken:
- Stuff the cavity: Place the lemon quarters, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity. This infuses the chicken with delightful citrus and herb flavors.
- Place in roasting pan: Place the quartered onion around the chicken in the roasting pan. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Roast: 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 juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- Temperature is key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid undercooked meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space around the chicken for even browning.
- Basting: For extra crispy skin, you can baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
Variations:
- Herbs de Provence: Substitute the thyme and rosemary with a blend of Herbs de Provence for a unique Mediterranean twist.
- Garlic: Add a few cloves of garlic to the cavity for extra garlicky goodness.
- Vegetables: Roast alongside other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a complete one-pan meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the chicken and serving size. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-25g
This roasted chicken recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious dish, perfect for those busy weeknights, and offers a simple yet sophisticated meal that everyone will enjoy. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor makes this a true quick dinner idea. Enjoy!