Succulent Roast Chicken: A Mouth-Watering Recipe!
As someone who loves throwing parties, I know that the key to a successful gathering is great food. Whether it’s an elaborate feast or a simple dish, nothing brings people together like a delicious meal. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more comforting and satisfying than a juicy roasted chicken.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you my grandmother’s simple roast chicken recipe. This recipe has been passed down in our family for generations and is a staple at all of our gatherings. The ingredients are easy to find, and the instructions are straightforward – making this dish perfect for seasoned cooks and novices alike.
If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive chicken recipe that will have your guests begging for seconds, look no further than this simple roast chicken. Trust me; it will quickly become a crowd favorite in your house, just like it has in mine. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious way to prepare chicken, then you’ve come to the right place. Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken Recipe is an incredible dish that is sure to become a staple in your household. There are endless reasons why you’ll love this recipe, but let me highlight a few.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make – even novice chefs can pull it off! With just three main ingredients and some simple spices, you can create an amazing meal that your whole family will enjoy. It doesn’t require any fancy culinary skills or hard-to-find ingredients, making it both affordable and accessible.
Another reason why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser is that it produces juicy roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin. The secret is in the proper seasoning of the chicken both inside and out, as well as slow roasting at the perfect temperature to achieve a crispy texture without drying out the meat. You’ll end up with drumsticks and thighs that are perfectly cooked all the way through, while the breast meat remains tender and moist.
Moreover, this roasted chicken recipe is versatile and customizable, allowing you to add your own personal twist. Whether you prefer traditional herbs like bay leaf or garlic clove, or vegetables like carrot or celery thrown into the roasting pan alongside the chicken – there are tons of opportunities for customization. Additionally, using different spice blends like smoked paprika, black pepper or salt adds extra flavors that spice up every bite.
Finally, leftovers should never go to waste with this recipe! You can shred leftover cooked chicken and use it in tacos or salads. Advancements such as made-ahead storing recommendations make it easy and convenient for busy schedules.
Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken Recipe takes all of the fuss out of cooking while producing an incredible dish that will impress guests or elevate family dinners all-around. So next time you’re looking for a stress-free yet tasty meal solution packed with flavor, give this recipe a try!
Ingredient List
Whole Roasting Chickens: This simple roast chicken recipe requires two chickens, each around 3-4 pounds in weight. Look for chickens that are labeled as “roasting chickens” or “broiler-fryer.” You can also use one large chicken instead of two medium-sized ones.
Vegetables: You will need carrots, celery, and onion for this recipe. Generally, we use one onion, trimmed and quartered, four carrots, and four stalks of celery. Make sure to chop them neatly into small pieces so that they cook evenly.
Aromatics: Flavorful ingredients such as bay leaf and garlic clove add depth to the dish. Use two bay leaves and four to five cloves of garlic cloves for a great aroma.
Herbs and Spices: This easy roast chicken recipe uses paprika (1-2 teaspoon), which adds color to the skin of the chicken while also complementing its taste with a mild smokiness. And of course, we cannot forget the salt and black pepper seasoning, which is always necessary for dishes like this.
Olive Oil: Drizzle some olive oil over your chicken before cooking to keep it juicy while it bakes. Use about 3 tablespoons of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
Chopped Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano to give flavor to the roasted chicken. Go ahead and experiment with different herbs that you enjoy!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Clean and Season the Chicken
First, I wash the chicken inside and out with cold water then I pat it dry with paper towels. Next, I generously season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, covering both inside and out, so every bite is full of savory flavor. Then, I sprinkle on 1 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon of paprika. These spices help to create an even richer flavor profile for the chicken.
Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancers
To add a depth of flavor to the chicken, I stuff rosemary sprigs, carrots, celery sticks, quartered onion, and a few garlic cloves into the cavity. This infuses the meat with fantastic aroma herb notes.
Roast the Chicken
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Once I get the chicken ready to my liking, I preheat our oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (215 degrees Celsius).
Step 4: Roast the Chicken at High Temperature
Place the cleaned and seasoned chicken in a greased roasting pan with cut carrots and onions arranged around it. Place a bay leaf on top of each vegetable pile.
Roast chicken breast-side up for about an hour or until cooked through or when inner thigh temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, remove from heat and let stand for about 10 minutes.
Serve
Once ready to serve, use pan juices or drippings from roasted chicken to make gravy which pairs especially well with mash potato sides or cream of corn soup.
There you have it – your juicy roasted chicken awaits as a family favorite comfort dish for dinner tonight!
Substitutions and Variations
While Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken Recipe is already amazing on its own, I understand the value of customization and catering to different preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to spice up your roasted chicken game.
– Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. Add a sprig or two in the cavity of the chicken before roasting for added flavor.
– Vegetables: While carrots, celery, and onions serve as a great base for the chicken to rest on while it roasts, you can always add other vegetables. Bell peppers, potatoes, or even Brussels sprouts make great additions to the roasting pan.
– Spices: You can try mixing up the spices if you want to give your dish a bit of kick. Add chili powder or cayenne pepper if you want it spicier. If you want something more savory, try adding garlic powder or onion powder along with the paprika.
– Whole Roasted Chicken vs. Roasting Chickens: This recipe calls for one whole roasted chicken, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make adjustments! You could certainly use roasting chickens instead of one whole bird. Or better still use Heritage chicken breasts!
– Grilled Chicken: If you have an outdoor grill, consider grilling the chicken instead of roasting it in the oven. This will give the chicken a smokier flavor and crispy skin texture.
– Make-Ahead Variations: Want something quick? Try cooked rotisserie chicken with grandma’s herb seasoning on top! It’s quick and easy—and hey how about serving with those carrots mentioned in (8) Tips for Perfect Results?
Overall, feel free to experiment! Cooking is all about improvisation and adapting to what you have on hand. And remember- if all else fails, Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken Recipe is always delicious no matter how many times she makes it!
Serving and Pairing
Now that the juicy roasted chicken is ready and resting from the oven, it’s time to present this delicious dish with a perfect pairing. The simplicity in flavors of the chicken makes it versatile for various sides and ingredients.
To begin with, you can serve it with simple roasted vegetables such as carrots or celery, which require minimal seasoning so that their natural flavors balance with the light spices of the chicken. You can also add these vegetables to the chicken pan for roasting in the final 20 minutes of cooking for added flavor.
For a more robust option, consider serving mashed potatoes or rice as a side dish. Their creaminess and plainness balance exceptionally well with the flavorful roasted chicken. Alternatively, you can also try pairing it up with a green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, you can serve it with stuffing or dressing, which makes for an excellent addition to roast chicken. With an added touch of sage or thyme, it brings out a warm and inviting taste that’ll make your guests feel like they’re enjoying a home-cooked dinner.
Regarding wine pairings, go for light-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir, Merlot or Chianti for a bold yet complementing blend to homemade rubbed chicken. For white wine options, opt for Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to balance out the gentle spice notes and buttery flavor of the roasted chicken.
In summary, simple roast chicken is an incredibly versatile dish, allowing ample room for pairing with various sides and ingredient choices that enhance its natural essence. Excite your taste buds by trying out different combinations until you find your ultimate favorite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals and meal prep. A whole roasted chicken can easily feed a large group of people, and the leftovers can be used for sandwiches, salads, or as a protein source in a variety of dishes.
To make-ahead, simply roast the chicken according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. Once cooled, carve the meat from the bones and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.
When it comes time to reheat your leftover chicken, there are a few methods you can use. One method is to place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and bake it in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through. Another option is to heat it on the stove in a pan with a splash of chicken broth or water until warmed through. You can also microwave your chicken, but be careful not to overcook it as this can cause the meat to become tough and dry.
When reheating your leftover chicken, keep in mind that it will not have the same crispy skin as when it was first roasted. However, you can still enjoy juicy roasted chicken by adding some chicken broth or gravy while reheating to help moisten and flavor the meat.
In addition, you can also use the leftover carcass of your roasted chicken to make a flavorful homemade stock or soup.
Overall, with its versatility for make-ahead meals and tasty leftover options, Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken recipe is perfect for any home chef looking for a simple yet delicious meal that keeps on giving.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you know the recipe, here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time you make grandma’s simple roast chicken recipe:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the roasting chickens. Fresh chickens will give you juicy roasted chicken; stale or expired ones will not be as flavorful.
2. Room Temperature Chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it up to room temperature. Cold chickens straight from the fridge will make the roasting process uneven since the bird won’t cook evenly.
3. Thoroughly Season Your Chicken: Ensure that your chicken gets a good rub-down with salt, pepper, garlic cloves and paprika. These seasonings shouldn’t clump but instead should spread evenly and stick to your chicken.
4. Truss Your Bird: Always tie up your chicken with kitchen twine, regardless of size or weight, to ensure even cooking.
5. Stuff Your Chicken Cavity: I like to add chopped fresh celery, carrot and onion into my chicken cavity with bay leaves roast for added flavor.
6. Add Water in the Roasting Pan: Put about 2-3 cups of water at the bottom of the roasting pan and cover with aluminium foil my grandma always says that it will help bring out more flavorful juices.
7. Roast at High Temperature: Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C) and roast for 10 minutes uncovered before reducing heat to 375 F (190 C) for another 60-75 minutes covered with foil.
8. Let It Rest: Remove your roasted chicken from oven then let it cool-off covered for at least 10 minutes before cutting it; this will allow all those lovely juices to redistribute around your bird making it even more delicious.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked and delicious simple roast chicken every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, you won’t regret trying out this grandma’s simple roast chicken recipe. It is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and delivers a mouth-watering juicy roasted chicken that will rock your taste buds. Whether you are cooking for your family or planning a dinner party with friends, roasted chicken is always a crowd-pleaser dish.
Moreover, the recipe is versatile and allows for substitutions and variations to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions. You can also pair the roasted chicken with a range of side dishes, from simple steamed carrots to more elaborate recipes like chicken gravy.
Finally, preparing the roasted chicken in advance and storing it properly helps save time and makes meal planning effortless. And if you happen to have leftovers, you can easily reheat them or use them creatively in other dishes such as sandwiches or salads.
In short, grandma’s simple roast chicken recipe is a classic that never goes out of style. Give it a try and savor the flavors of heritage and tradition in every bite.
Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (4 -5 lb) roasting chickens
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small onion, trimmed and quartered
- 1 stalk celery, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 carrot, cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 bay leaf
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Remove and discard insides of chicken. Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry. Trim any excess fat.
- Combine salt, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl and sprinkle over chicken and into the cavity.
- Place vegetables and bay leaf in body cavity. Tie ends of legs together with a cord (I have never done this and it still turns out fine). Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under chicken.
- Place chicken, breast side up, on a broiler pan (or on a rack inside another pan) coated with cooking spray.
- Bake at 400 degrees for one hour or until meat thermometer inserted into thigh registers 180 degrees.
- Cover loosely with foil for about 10 minutes.
- Remove vegetables from inside chicken and throw them away.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!