Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner

Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner Recipe - An Ultimate Comfort Food

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2.5 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Sunday roast chicken dinner is a classic comfort food meal that is perfect for gathering with family and friends. This recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to impress everyone at the table.

History

Roast chicken has been a popular dish for centuries, with roots in traditional European cuisine. It was often served on Sundays as a special meal for families to enjoy together. The combination of juicy roasted chicken with flavorful vegetables and gravy has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite meal for many.

Ingredients

1 chicken, thawed, washed, patted dry with paper towel
1 tbsp oil
1 20 oz (567 g) package frozen broccoli, cauliflower, carrot mix

Gravy

All drippings in pan
2 tbsp flour
broth or water as needed

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and set them aside for another use.
3. Rub the chicken skin with oil and season the inside and outside with salt and pepper as desired.
4. Place the chicken in a shallow roasting pan. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 180°F (82°C).
5. During the last 30 minutes of roasting time, arrange the thawed vegetables in the pan around the chicken and season them with salt and pepper as desired.

Gravy

1. Pour all the juices remaining in the pan into a heatproof 2-cup measuring cup.
2. The fat will rise to the top. Pour off two tablespoons of this fat from the top into the roasting pan. Discard the remainder of the clear liquid fat and set aside the dark juices.
3. Stir 2 tbsp of flour into the fat in the roasting pan.
4. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. To the dark juices remaining in the cup, add enough broth or water to make 2 cups of liquid.
6. Whisk this liquid into the flour mixture in the roasting pan. Cook until the gravy thickens, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Variations

Try using different herbs and spices to season the chicken, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
Add lemon slices or garlic cloves to the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
Use different vegetables, such as potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, in place of the frozen carrot mix.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before roasting to ensure a crispy skin.

- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.

- Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the roast chicken with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Don't forget to drizzle the gravy over everything for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a low temperature for a longer period of time ensures that it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Adding the vegetables to the pan during the last 30 minutes of roasting allows them to cook alongside the chicken and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have frozen carrot mix, you can use fresh carrots, celery, and onions instead. Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to roast. The gravy can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the roast chicken on a platter with the vegetables arranged around it. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Sunday roast chicken dinner pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or apple cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 20g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Wheat

Summary

This Sunday roast chicken dinner is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a healthy option for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Sunday roast chicken dinner is a classic meal that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the juicy chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich gravy for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just returned from a stroll in the park with my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. As we sipped on tea in my cozy kitchen, she began to tell me about the most delicious roast chicken dinner she had ever tasted.

"It's the perfect meal for a lazy Sunday afternoon," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "And the best part is, it's easy to make."

I was intrigued. Mrs. Jenkins was known for her culinary skills, so I knew I had to learn the recipe from her. She generously shared the steps with me, and I eagerly took notes, determined to recreate the meal for my family.

The next Sunday, I set to work in the kitchen, following Mrs. Jenkins' instructions to the letter. I seasoned the whole chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, then placed it in the oven to roast. As the delicious aroma filled the house, I knew I was onto something special.

While the chicken cooked, I prepared the sides: creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, and homemade gravy. The whole meal came together beautifully, and when I served it to my family that evening, they devoured every last bite.

From that moment on, Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner became a staple in our household. It was a meal that brought us together, a tradition that we looked forward to each week. And as the years passed, I continued to perfect the recipe, adding my own touches and variations along the way.

I learned new techniques from friends and neighbors, each one sharing their own secrets for achieving the perfect roast chicken. Some swore by brining the bird beforehand, while others insisted on basting it with butter throughout the cooking process. I experimented with different seasonings and cooking methods, always striving to improve upon the simple yet satisfying dish.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the essence of the recipe remained the same: a tender, juicy chicken, roasted to perfection and served with all the trimmings. It was a meal that brought comfort and joy to my family, a meal that we shared with laughter and love.

As the years went by, my children grew up and moved away, starting families of their own. But whenever they came home to visit, they always requested Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner. It became a beloved tradition, a reminder of the happy times we shared around the dinner table.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the memories of years gone by, I realize how much this recipe has meant to me. It's not just a meal; it's a connection to the past, a link to the people and places that have shaped my life.

And so, I continue to make Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner, not just for the delicious flavors and comforting aromas, but for the memories it evokes and the love it represents. It's a recipe that has stood the test of time, a recipe that I will cherish and pass down to future generations.

Because in the end, it's not just about the food we eat; it's about the stories we share and the traditions we uphold. And for me, Easy Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner will always be a reminder of the joy and love that have filled my life.