Winter Citrus Roast Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Winter Citrus Roast Chicken is your ticket to adding some zest to the chilly season. This dish combines the comforting warmth of roasted chicken with the bright flavors of fresh citrus, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients for Winter Citrus Roast Chicken

The star of this dish is the whole chicken, offering a hearty base for the citrus flavors. Aromatic oranges, lemon, and lime not only infuse the meat with their juices but also keep it moist. Minced garlic adds a savory depth, while olive oil ensures everything stays luscious. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley bring earthy notes, rounding out the flavors beautifully. Don’t forget a good amount of salt and pepper — they’re essential to highlight all these wonderful tastes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the chicken.
  • If the skin starts browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
  • Basting every 30 minutes keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken. For a full meal, consider serving with buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all those delightful juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent.
What if I don't have a lime?
You can substitute with another lemon or even a grapefruit for a different twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out.

Winter Citrus Roast Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it's hot enough to start cooking your chicken evenly from the get-go. While it heats up, rinse your chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. If there are giblets inside, now's the time to remove them.

Next, grab one of your oranges, the lemon, and the lime, and zest them. Combine this zest with your minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir it all together to create a fragrant marinade.

Now the fun part — rubbing the marinade into the chicken. Get under the skin where you can, as this helps the flavors penetrate the meat. Don’t be shy; let the chicken soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Slice the citrus fruits and stuff them inside the chicken cavity. This not only infuses the meat with their juices but also keeps it moist during roasting.

Place your prepared chicken on a roasting pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting it occasionally with the pan juices. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Once it's done, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you a tender, juicy bird.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings a burst of fresh, tangy flavors to your table.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
  • Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
  • Roasting time allows you to relax or prep sides.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 large oranges
1 lemon
1 lime
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry the chicken, removing any giblets if included.
3. Zest one orange, the lemon, and the lime; combine the zest with minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
4. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, both under the skin and on the surface.
5. Slice the citrus fruits and stuff them inside the chicken cavity.
6. Place the chicken on a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!