82. Roasted Chicken with Herbs de Provence

$- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) - 2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large onion, quartered - 4 carrots, cut into large chunks - 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for stuffing) - Roasting pan - Mixing bowl - Basting brush - Meat thermometer Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Each item plays a key role in creating the rich flavors of this roasted chicken. The chicken should be around 4-5 pounds. This size ensures it cooks evenly and remains juicy. Herbs de Provence adds a unique taste, while the lemon brightens the dish. Fresh garlic enhances the aroma, and olive oil provides moisture. You will also need a roasting pan. It helps the chicken cook evenly. A mixing bowl is great for combining the marinade. A basting brush ensures you can evenly spread the marinade on the chicken. Finally, a meat thermometer is essential for checking the chicken's doneness. This tool will help prevent undercooking or overcooking. Once you have everything ready, you're set to create a flavorful meal. For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions that follow. - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to make a marinade. - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. - Spread half the marinade under the skin. Rub the rest all over the outside. - Stuff the chicken’s cavity with quartered onion, carrot chunks, and fresh rosemary. - Place the chicken in a roasting pan and add any leftover vegetables around it. - Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste halfway with the pan juices. - Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (75°C). Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering roasted chicken. For the complete instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. - Allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour for enhanced flavor. - Use fresh Herbs de Provence for the best aroma. Marinating is key to great taste. When you let the chicken soak in the marinade, it absorbs those rich flavors. I often prepare the marinade and let it sit while I prep the chicken. Fresh herbs are a game changer, bringing out that lovely scent. They also add depth to each bite. - Basting during roasting keeps the chicken moist. - Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. Basting is crucial. It adds moisture and adds flavor from the pan juices. I baste every 30 minutes for the best result. After roasting, I let the chicken rest. This step is vital. It helps the juices stay in the meat, making it juicy and tender. - Serve on a rustic board with sprigs of herbs and lemon wedges. - Arrange vegetables aesthetically for added color. Presentation matters. I love serving the chicken on a wooden board. It looks inviting and rustic. Adding lemon wedges and fresh herbs creates a bright splash. Arranging vegetables in a colorful way makes the dish pop. A little effort goes a long way in impressing guests! For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the herbs in this dish. Use Italian seasoning instead of Herbs de Provence for a different flavor profile. It brings a unique taste that many enjoy. Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon work well, too. They add a fresh burst of flavor that can elevate your chicken dish. Think about adding more vegetables to your roast. Potatoes and parsnips make great additions. They soak up the flavor and cook beautifully. You can also toss in olives or dried fruits. This adds a Mediterranean twist that complements the chicken perfectly. Try different cooking methods to change the texture and flavor. Slow roasting makes the meat more tender and juicy. It allows the flavors to meld well together. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that is hard to resist. Each method brings its own charm to this classic dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on cooking times and techniques. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Ensure the chicken is cooled before sealing it. You want to keep your roasted chicken fresh and tasty. Storing it right helps maintain flavor and texture. After dinner, let the chicken cool down. Once it's cool, place it in an airtight container. This will keep it safe from bacteria and drying out. - Wrap portions of roasted chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. - Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. If you have more chicken than you can eat, freezing is a great choice. Wrap the chicken tightly using plastic wrap. After that, cover it with foil to avoid freezer burn. Label the package with the date. This way, you know how long it's been in there. Use it within three months for the best taste. - Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. - Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating in the oven is best. Set it to 350°F and place the chicken inside. This method keeps the meat juicy and the skin crispy. If you must use a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. This can help reduce drying, but the oven is always better. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your delicious roasted chicken! - Yes, but ensure it's fully thawed before cooking for even results. - Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F (75°C). - Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal. This blog covered how to roast a whole chicken step by step. We talked about choosing fresh ingredients and keeping your chicken moist and flavorful. Remember to marinate for the best taste and let it rest after cooking. Feel free to experiment with herbs and sides for your meals. Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the kitchen, this easy guide will help you create a delicious dish every time. Enjoy your cooking journey and the tasty results!$

82. Roasted Chicken with Herbs de Provence

Elevate your dinner game with this Herb-Crusted Roasted Chicken with a Twist! This flavorful dish combines savory herbs, lemon zing, and tender veggies for a meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, it's easy to make and packed with deliciousness. Click through to discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to master this culinary delight that will leave everyone wanting more!

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Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence

1 lemon, zested and juiced

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large onion, quartered

4 carrots, cut into large chunks

3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for stuffing)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs, being careful not to tear it.

Rub about half of the marinade under the skin directly on the meat. Rub the remaining marinade all over the outside of the chicken.

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion, carrot chunks, and fresh rosemary sprigs.

Place the chicken on a roasting pan, and arrange any remaining vegetables around it for added flavor and nutrition.

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.

Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board, garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Arrange the roasted vegetables alongside for a colorful and inviting display.