Mcgc Kitchen
Roasted Chicken
Introduction
I’ve have tried many different ways preparing whole chickens: slow cooker recipes, beer-can chicken on the BBQ, marinated in a red wine and herb rub overnight and even brined over several hours then rubbed with butter and fine herbs. Nevertheless, my favorite recipe is this one since it is easy to follow and does not require as much salt as many of the recipes indicated, in particular, for the brine method. Also, this recipe requires no marination (saving time and effort) and results in an extremely juicy chicken. After initial preparation is completed and the chickens are placed in the oven, you will have approximately 2 hours to do something else, like preparing for house guests and opening a lovely bottle of wine. This is a great recipe for the holidays when you need to get so much done, as long as you remember to keep a timer close by to remind you check your oven.
As a bonus, you get a side of roasted vegetables and potatoes and a delicious broth that can be used turn them into a mash or kept for another recipe in a mason jar, preserved in the freezer. This recipe is a true favorite that leaves a heavenly smell in the home and enchants family and friends. Honestly, I rarely have leftovers to spare when I make it at home. The only thing missing is the holiday dessert…so stay tuned!
Time:
2-3 hours in total
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- Basil, dry - 3 tbsp
- Pepper, ground - 5ml
- Paprika, ground, 10ml
- Avocado Oil, 60ml (½ for the rub, ½ for the vegetables)
- Chicken, raw, unfrozen or thawed, whole - 2x 2lbs
- 1 lemon, large, cut into 6 wedges
- Potatoes 6-7 medium, preferably Yukon gold or yellow flesh, cut in quarters or sixth to match the size of the carrots
- Oregano, dry - 3 tbsp
- Salt, fine - 5ml
- 4 Bay leaves, whole, fresh or dry
- 10 -12 sprigs thyme, fresh
- Onion large: Cut into 6 wedges (for the chicken)
- Carrots 6-7 large, cut in ½ inch thick rounds
Steps
Chicken rub:
- Mix together Oregano, Basil, Paprika, Pepper, Salt and 30 ml oil.
- Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 380oF. Ensure that racks are placed to accommodate the height of the chicken (may need to remove a rack).
Potatoes and Root Vegetable Mix:
- Place in the bottom of a large roasting pan in an even layer.
- Add 30 ml of avocado oil and mix.
- Add sliced onions on top.
- Place 4 bay leaves tucked in each corner of the bed of root vegetable mix and 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme over top.
Chicken:
- Place the chicken on top of the potatoes and root vegetable mix and coat the whole chicken (breast and back) with the rub, making sure to well massage it into the skin.
- Make a hole under the skin of the breast and add leftover rub and 2 sprigs of thyme per breast.
- Place in alternation 2-3 wedges of lemon and 2-3 wedges of onion in each chicken.
- You can also place a sprig of thyme in each chicken, if desired, to add flavour.(optional)
- Place in the preheated 380oF oven for approximately 2hr or until the thick part of the breast reaches 180oF when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Let it rest for 15 mins covered to allow juices to redistribute.
- Check doneness when making the first cut. Breast meat should be white and opaque and juices should run clear.
Serving & Plating:
- Chicken can be set aside, skin removed and set on a serving plate to be carved at the table. Tip: remove the wishbone by breaking it off to help to carve.
- Potato & vegetable mix can be served as is and the broth can be kept aside for a future recipe. Another option is to use the chicken stock to make mashed potatoes and root vegetables (see below).
**To complete this dish, you may serve with a simple green salad, with balsamic and olive oil vinaigrette.
Bonus recipe:
Mashed Potatoes & Root Vegetables:
- Remove the potatoes and vegetable and place in a large bowl.
- Progressively add the chicken stock a ½ cup at a time and mash by hand until fully blended and creamed to desired consistency. One fresh garlic clove that is well mashed may be added(optional). For a slightly creamier texture, the 1st ½ cup of broth can be substituted with a ½ cup of 5% sour cream, if desired.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Vinaigrette
- 15 ml of olive oil
- 15 ml balsamic
- 5 ml dijon
- 10 ml oregano
- 2 ml of salt
- 1 head lettuce
- 1 bunch cilantro
Whisk together
Add salad
Adjust salt and spices to taste.
Bon Appetit !
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Baking: 2 hours
Marie-Claire Gahel-Calouche
Dietitian-nutritionist, member of the Order of Dietitians of Quebec. I am passionate about nutrition and well-being in general. In this section, I offer you quick and easy healthy recipe ideas to prepare for any occasion.