Roast Chicken
Try this Roast Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Roast Chicken recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 2.13700791668428 g
- Cholesterol 40.7066667185348 mg
- Fat 15.4325510092555 g
- Fiber 0.955059134150054 g
- Protein 0.410855267203996 g
- Saturated Fat 9.7385231565317 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (37g)
- Sodium 109.683639263581 mg
- Sugar 1.18194878253423 g
- Trans Fat 1.10703064100875 g
- Calories 140 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a rack in the lower-middle of the oven.
- Rinse the chicken with cool water and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Make sure you get the chicken as dry as you can, inside and out.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- With two fingers, gently loosen the skin from the meat of the chicken, taking care not to rip the skin. This results in crispier, browner skin.
- Rub the herb mixture under the loosened skin, over the top of skin on both sides and inside the cavity.
- Tie ends of legs together with twine. Tuck wings under chicken and tie the whole body of chicken with twine to secure.
- Place chicken, breast side up, on a roasting pan or in a cast-iron skillet.
- Put the chicken in the oven and immediately lower the oven temperature to 400°F and leave undisturbed for 60-80 minutes until skin is golden brown and crisp, juices run clear, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the inner thigh registers 155° to 160°.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
- Remove twine and cut the chicken into pieces and serve on a platter with lemon wedges.
My Simple Roast Chicken: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" That's why I've come to rely on simple, yet satisfying recipes that don't sacrifice flavor for convenience. This roast chicken recipe is my go-to – it's elegant enough for a weekend gathering, yet easy enough to throw together on a Tuesday night.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget complicated marinades and elaborate preparations. The key is focusing on a few high-quality ingredients and letting the oven do the magic. A perfectly roasted chicken is all about achieving that crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy, tender meat. This recipe consistently delivers on both fronts.
I've found that the most important step is properly drying the chicken before seasoning. Patting it thoroughly with paper towels removes excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully. Don’t skip this step!
Then, a simple mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano forms the base of my flavor profile. I love using fresh oregano, but dried works just as well in a pinch. The salt is crucial – it seasons the meat and helps to draw out the moisture, further contributing to crispy skin. Don't be afraid to season generously.
Once the chicken is seasoned, I gently loosen the skin from the breast, creating little pockets to rub the herb mixture underneath. This ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and evenly cooked bird. Trust me, this extra step is worth it!
After seasoning, it's a matter of placing the chicken in the oven and letting it roast. The timing will vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken, but a meat thermometer is your best friend. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. I usually check it around the 75-minute mark.
The final step – letting the chicken rest before carving – is also vital. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. A simple lemon wedge on the side complements the roast chicken perfectly.
This roast chicken recipe has become a staple in my household. It's versatile enough to adapt to different flavor profiles. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature roast chicken.
Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. No matter how you choose to serve it, this roast chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The ease of preparation, combined with the delicious results, makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the simplicity of home-cooked goodness. This roast chicken is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don't have to be complicated.
Beyond the Dinner Table: Roast Chicken's Versatility
The magic of a perfectly roasted chicken extends far beyond a simple weeknight dinner. The leftover chicken can be transformed into an array of delicious meals. Consider these options:
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Shred the leftover chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings for a classic lunchtime treat.
- Chicken Soup: Use the carcass to make a flavorful chicken stock, then add vegetables and noodles for a comforting and nourishing soup.
- Chicken Tacos or Quesadillas: Shred the chicken and add it to your favorite taco fillings or use it as a filling for quesadillas for a quick and easy meal.
- Chicken Pot Pie: Combine the chicken with vegetables and a creamy sauce, then top with a flaky pastry crust for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: A healthier alternative to traditional chicken salad sandwiches. Use crisp lettuce leaves to hold your delicious chicken salad.
The possibilities are truly endless! The versatility of roast chicken makes it a worthwhile addition to any home cook's repertoire.
