Delicious Roast Chicken Recipe for a Perfect Dinner
Roast chicken is a classic dish that never fails to impress. The aroma of a perfectly cooked roast chicken wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this roast chicken recipe is sure to please. Follow the simple steps below to create a mouthwatering roast chicken that will be the highlight of your dinner table.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.6kg)
– 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 lemon, halved
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
– 2 onions, quartered
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
Preparing the Chicken:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
2. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the inside of the chicken cavity with salt and pepper.
4. Place the lemon halves and a few sprigs of fresh herbs inside the cavity.
5. Mix the softened butter with minced garlic and some chopped herbs.
6. Carefully loosen the chicken skin by gently sliding your fingers underneath the skin to create pockets.
7. Rub the garlic butter mixture evenly under the skin of the chicken.
8. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Roasting the Chicken:
1. Place the quartered onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan.
2. Put the chicken on top of the vegetables in the pan.
3. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine.
4. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (160°C fan) and continue roasting for another 60-80 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
6. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
Serving the Roast Chicken:
1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
2. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
3. Strain the pan juices and serve them alongside the chicken as a gravy.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Enjoy this delicious roast chicken with your favorite sides such as roast potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. The tender and juicy meat, infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs, will be a hit with your family and guests. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this roast chicken recipe is a surefire way to create a memorable dining experience.