Heritage Baked Chicken

Name: Heritage Baked Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're looking to bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your dinner table, this Heritage Baked Chicken is the perfect choice. It’s a timeless recipe, combining the comforting flavors of garlic, thyme, and lemon, all perfectly roasted together. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Ingredients for Heritage Baked Chicken

Whole chicken: The star of the show — roasting it whole ensures juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. Olive oil: Helps to crisp up the chicken and adds a subtle richness. Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors. Garlic powder and dried thyme: Infuse the chicken with aromatic earthiness. Lemon: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the savory herbs. Onion: Complements the lemon and thyme with sweetness as it roasts. Carrots and celery: Not just for flavor, these veggies make a delicious side once they've absorbed the chicken juices.

Tips & Tricks

Letting the chicken rest is crucial for juicy meat — don't skip this step.
If you want extra crispy skin, crank up the oven to 400°F for the last 10 minutes.
Use a roasting rack if you have one; it helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked chicken with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to round out the meal. For a touch of luxury, serve it with a glass of Chardonnay or a crisp Riesling. The lemony notes in the chicken will complement these wines beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?: Absolutely! Mince a couple of cloves and rub them under the skin for a more robust garlic flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?: Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Can I add more vegetables?: Definitely. Potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers make great additions.

Heritage Baked Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) — this ensures your chicken will roast evenly right from the start. Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that coveted crispy skin.

Drizzle about two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken, rubbing it in to coat the skin evenly. This helps the seasonings stick and adds flavor. Next, generously season the chicken inside and out with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Don’t be shy — the more evenly you season, the better the flavor.

Now, take your lemon and onion, both quartered, and stuff them inside the chicken cavity. This infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor from the inside out. Arrange the chopped carrots and celery around the chicken in a roasting pan. These will soak up the delicious juices.

Place the chicken in the oven and let it roast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
The perfect balance of savory and citrus flavors.
Minimal prep time with maximum flavor payoff.
Great for meal prep — leftovers are even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1 lemon, quartered

1 onion, quartered

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken.

4. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.

5. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and onion slices.

6. Arrange the chopped carrots and celery stalks around the chicken in a roasting pan.

7. Place the chicken in the oven and roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

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