Whole Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken can be a delightful experience, resulting in a juicy, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes. Here’s a simple and delicious method to prepare and roast a whole chicken:

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• 2-3 celery stalks, chopped

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Seasoning: Generously season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil or melted butter for a crispy, golden skin.
3. Stuffing: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic halves, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it roasts.
4. Trussing (Optional): Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken to ensure even cooking.
5. Vegetable Bed: In a roasting pan, place the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. These will serve as a flavorful bed for the chicken and can be used to make a delicious gravy.
6. Roasting: Place the chicken on top of the vegetable bed in the roasting pan. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Resting: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more succulent.
8. Carving: Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables. You can also make a gravy with the pan drippings for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Roasted potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with roasted chicken.
• Gravy: To make a simple gravy, strain the pan drippings and mix with a bit of flour and chicken broth over medium heat until thickened.

Enjoy!