Savory Roast Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Roasting a chicken should be simple and satisfying, yielding a flavorful and juicy meal that can be the centerpiece of any dinner. This Savory Roast Chicken recipe is all about harnessing fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a dish that’s both delightful and impressive.

Ingredients for Savory Roast Chicken

Chicken: The star of the show! A whole chicken (4-5 lbs) offers a good balance of meat and flavor. Make sure it's fresh for the best results.

Olive Oil: This helps to crisp up the skin and adds a subtle richness. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil if you can.

Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

Lemon: Adds a bright, tangy note that pairs beautifully with the herbs and chicken.

Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a deep, savory aroma.

Rosemary: This herb brings a fragrant, piney flavor that complements the lemon and garlic.

Onion, Carrots, Celery: These veggies not only add flavor to the chicken as it roasts but also make a delicious side dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Truss the chicken if you're comfortable; it helps the bird cook evenly.
  • If you prefer extra crispy skin, crank up the oven to 425°F for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without guesswork.

Serving Suggestions

This roast chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. For a bit of extra flair, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about a teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can season and prepare it a day ahead, just keep it covered in the fridge.

Savory Roast Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly right from the start. While the oven warms up, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key to achieving that glorious crispiness.

Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Rub it down with olive oil, making sure to coat it completely. This helps the salt and pepper adhere, so sprinkle those generously all over the bird.

Grab your lemon, cut it in half, and give it a good squeeze over the chicken. Pop the lemon halves inside the cavity for extra flavor. Follow this with the crushed garlic and rosemary sprigs, tucking them inside as well.

Next, arrange the onion, carrots, and celery around the chicken. They’ll soak up the juices and become beautifully tender and flavorful.

Pop the pan in the oven and roast for about 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to keep the juices locked in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses fresh, aromatic ingredients for maximum flavor.
  • Minimal prep time with a big payout.
  • Perfectly crispy skin paired with juicy, tender meat.
  • Great for family dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, crushed
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Squeeze lemon juice inside and over the chicken, then place lemon halves inside the cavity.
5. Add crushed garlic and rosemary inside the cavity.
6. Arrange onion, carrots, and celery around the chicken.
7. Roast in the oven for 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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