Roast Chicken
Easy Roast Chicken Recipe with Curried Rice and Herb Lemon Yogurt
Introduction
Roast chicken is a classic dish that is loved by many for its juicy and flavorful meat. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect roast chicken, complete with a delicious stuffing.
History
Roast chicken has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe found in many different cultures around the world. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp softened butter or safflower oil
- 2 roasting chickens, 4 lb (1.81 kg) each
- 2 tsp salt
- bread stuffing
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 4 cups whole-wheat bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup butter or oil
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped celery stalks and leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp minced parsley
- pepper to taste
- 0.5 cup wheat germ
- 1 tsp sage, thyme or savory
- stock or water to moisten
How to prepare
- Wash the chickens and pat them dry inside and out with paper towels. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp of salt into each cavity. Hook the wing tip into the back to hold the neck skin. If the skin is short, fasten it with a skewer.
- Mix all the ingredients for the stuffing except for the stock. Fill the body cavity with the stuffing and stock. Tie the legs together with string, and then tie the legs and tail together.
- Rub each chicken with 2 tsp of chili powder. Place the chicken on a rack in a shallow pan, with the bread-side up, and roast at 325°F until it is done, which should take about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Variations
- Try using different herbs and spices for the seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Experiment with different types of stuffing, such as a wild rice or quinoa stuffing.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roast chicken with roasted vegetables and a side salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting
Ingredient Substitutions
Canola oil can be used instead of safflower oil.
- Cornbread crumbs can be used instead of whole-bread crumbs.
Make Ahead Tips
The stuffing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the roast chicken with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair the roast chicken with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a delicious meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 380 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 24g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 18g per serving
Saturated Fat: 4g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 32g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 6% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Alergens
Contains wheat
Summary
This roast chicken recipe is a good source of protein and iron, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats.
Summary
This roast chicken recipe is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful stuffing and juicy meat, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for roast chicken. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling in a beautiful array of reds and golds. I was browsing through a quaint little antique shop, looking for some new additions to my collection of cookbooks. As I leafed through the pages of an old, dusty book, a faded handwritten recipe caught my eye. Roast Chicken.
I remember feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The handwriting was elegant and flowing, the ink slightly faded but still legible. It was as if the recipe had been waiting for me, hidden away in that old book, just waiting to be discovered.
I knew right away that I had to try it. I purchased the cookbook without hesitation and rushed home to start preparing the dish. As I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, I couldn't shake the feeling that this recipe was something special, something that would become a staple in my culinary repertoire.
The aroma of the chicken roasting in the oven filled my kitchen, mingling with the savory scent of herbs and garlic. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, to see if it lived up to the promise of that old, yellowed recipe.
When the timer dinged, I carefully removed the golden-brown chicken from the oven. The skin was crispy and crackling, the meat juicy and tender. I couldn't resist taking a bite right then and there, savoring the flavors that danced on my taste buds.
It was perfection. The blend of herbs and spices, the succulent meat, the crispy skin - it was everything I had hoped for and more. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite, a go-to for family dinners and special occasions alike.
I shared the recipe with my friends and family, who all raved about it and begged for the secret behind its deliciousness. I smiled knowingly, knowing that this recipe would remain my little culinary treasure, passed down through the generations.
Over the years, I have made that roast chicken countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon for a hint of brightness, or sprinkle on some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. But no matter how I change it up, that original recipe remains the foundation, the heart and soul of the dish.
I have since learned that the recipe for roast chicken has a rich history, passed down through generations of cooks and chefs. Each family and each region has their own twist on the classic dish, adding their own unique flavors and techniques.
But for me, that old, handwritten recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a chance discovery, a hidden gem that I stumbled upon on that fateful autumn day. And I will forever be grateful for the magic it has brought to my kitchen and my table.
As I sit here, reminiscing about that day and the many roast chickens I have made since, I can't help but smile. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share love with those around me. And that recipe for roast chicken will always be a reminder of the joy and satisfaction that cooking brings into my life.
So here's to that old, faded recipe, to the memories it holds and the delicious meals it has brought to my table. May it continue to bring warmth and comfort to all who taste its savory goodness, just as it has done for me all these years.