My go to dinner is a Whole Roasted Chicken. In fact I made one tonight. They are delicious, look impressive, and are very simple to make. Plus, Dash and Delilah are always happy recipients of roasted chicken!
What you'll need:
Roasting Chicken (I use around 5 Lb)
Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper
1 Lemon, 1/2 sliced and 1/2 left whole to roast in chicken
Fresh Herbs
Garlic Cloves (whole, un-peeled)
Roasting pan (I line with tin foil for easy clean up)
I have roasted whole chickens a hundred different ways. Horseradish Crusted Chicken, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Garlic Chicken...it is really about your ability to get creative. Be adventurous. You can go simple, or you can really spice it up. Here is a basic recipe that you can build on.
- Wash and dry whole chicken
- Rub down with Olive Oil, Heavily salt and pepper
- Stuff the chicken with your aromatics; lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs
Now here's the key to a perfect chicken...stuff fresh herbs, lemon slices, and anything else that sounds delicious to you UNDER the skin. It will save you from drying out. Simply take your forefinger and slide it between the skin and breast meat. Stuff all your fresh ingredients in there, they will make all the difference in the world! Place remaining half lemon, garlic in the skin, and more fresh herbs in the cavity of the chicken.
Place on roasting rack. Throw some potatoes or chopped veggies down below. The juice from the chicken will give them incredible flavor.
Roast at 425 degrees, 25 min for crunchy golden brown skin. Then reduce heat to 350 degrees for 45 min. Test with a thermometer to make sure it is cooked through, temp will rise when you let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve whole surrounded by fresh roasted veggies or potatoes. Then get in the kitchen and whip up a Chocolate Souffle! Really wow them....but don't give any of that to the dogs! WAY too good to share.
