Apple Roast Chicken

My Favorite Apple Roast Chicken Recipe

As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. This apple roast chicken has become a staple in our house, requested by my son more often than not! It's incredibly flavorful and juicy, and the best part is, it's surprisingly easy to make. I often double the recipe, roasting two chickens simultaneously in my large roasting pan on the grill – perfect for a family dinner or even leftovers for lunch the next day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it lets the natural flavors of the chicken and the sweet, tart apples shine through. The Tuscan seasoning adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the optional carrots and potatoes, roasted alongside the chicken, absorb all those delicious juices, creating a truly satisfying and complete meal.

The secret to a perfectly juicy chicken, I’ve discovered, is roasting it breast-side down. While it might not look as picture-perfect as a traditionally roasted chicken, trust me, the difference in juiciness and flavor is remarkable. The breast meat remains incredibly moist, and the skin crisps beautifully as it roasts. Basting the chicken regularly with its own juices is another key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The juices become infused with the flavors of the apples, onions, and herbs, creating an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce that you’ll want to soak up with every bite. It's such a simple recipe but incredibly rewarding. The aromas that fill the kitchen during the roasting process are intoxicating, and the compliments you'll receive from your family will make all the effort worthwhile.

This recipe is versatile too; you can easily adapt it to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of apples – a mix of sweet and tart apples works particularly well. You can also add other vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, to the roasting pan. The possibilities are endless! Beyond being a simple weeknight dinner, it's elegant enough for a special occasion, and the leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or salads the next day.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 medium tart apple, chopped
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped (optional)
• 3 potatoes, chopped (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Tuscan seasoning

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this delicious apple roast chicken with your favorite sides. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. The pan juices make a wonderful gravy, perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! It's become a true family favorite, and I'm excited for you to experience the magic of a perfectly roasted chicken filled with the sweet and savory flavors of apples and herbs. Let me know in the comments how it turns out!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven or grill to 400 degrees.
• Wash and dry chicken, toss guts unless you are making gravy.
• Stuff chicken with apples and onions.
• Coat chicken with olive oil and salt and rub with Tuscan seasoning (herbs and bits of sundried tomato).
• Place breast down in oven-proof pan and roast till 160 degrees in thigh muscle (You can fill the rest of the pot with carrots and potatoes, they are yummy roasted in the chicken juices). Baste with juices every 20 minutes. You should flip the bird over for the last half hour.