A Simple Guide To Roasting Chicken
This recipe is a classic, simple approach that yields juicy, flavorful results every time
Equipment
- 1 9 x 13 Baking Dish or Roasting Pan
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 3-4 lbs whole chicken giblets removed
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp Herbs Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano
- 1 lemon halved
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 large Onion quartered
- ½ cup white wine optional
For the Gravy
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken Broth
- ½ - ¾ cup pan drippings
Instructions
For the Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
- Butter & Herbs: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, and herbs. Using your fingers, separate the skin from the meat of the chicken. This is where you are going to put the majority of your butter & herb mixture. Be sure to put some on top of the skin as well, this will help to develop a crispy, brown crust.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken, breast side up, in a roasting pan or a 9 x 13 baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze the lemon over the chicken. Then place the lemon, quartered onion, and any leftover herbs into the pan alongside your chicken. Optional, you can add ½ cup of white wine to the pan to baste with during the roasting process.
- Roast: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
For the Gravy
- Make the roux: In a small saucepan, add the butter and allow to melt. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for a few minutes.
- Add the broth: Slowly add the chicken broth a little at a time while constantly stirring. Cook for about 5-8 mins.
- Add the drippings: Add the drippings, stir to combine.