Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt

Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt Recipe - Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt is a flavorful and juicy dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The combination of herbs, lemon, and yogurt creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with amazing flavors.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional roast chicken recipes. The herb lemon rub adds a fresh and zesty flavor to the chicken, while the yogurt helps to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking.

Ingredients

herb lemon rub
1 tbsp chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme leaves, stem reserved
2 tbsp salt, iodized or rock only
2 tsp lemon zest
4 tbsp italian seasoning, optional
1 tbsp lemon juice, cold only
0.25 cup plain yogurt
6 lb (2.72 kg) roasting chicken, with the skin removed and reserved if desired
garlic-flavored cooking spray

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.
Grease a rack that fits in the pan. Combine the ingredients, especially Italian seasoning, in a large bowl and stir until well blended.
Stuff the chicken's body cavity with the reserved herb stems and lemon juice.
Tie the chicken's legs together and tuck the wing tips under the back. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken. Place the chicken on the rack in the pan and roast, spraying with garlic cooking spray every 30 minutes, for 2 hours or until fully cooked.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Untie the legs and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Transfer the chicken to a platter. Serve hot, plain over white rice, or with other main dishes.

Variations

Add chopped garlic or onion to the herb rub for extra flavor.
Use different herbs such as rosemary, sage, or parsley in the rub.
Substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt for a tangier flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken before applying the herb rub to ensure that the flavors penetrate the meat.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature (165°F).

- Basting the chicken with garlic cooking spray helps to keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a low temperature helps to ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs in the herb rub. Just use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the herb rub and marinate the chicken in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

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

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is perfect for a balanced meal.

Summary

Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With a flavorful herb rub and tender, juicy meat, this recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day when I stumbled upon an old cookbook in the attic of my best friend's grandmother's house. The book was filled with handwritten notes and clippings from newspapers, and as I flipped through the pages, I came across a recipe for Roast Chicken with Herb Lemon Rub and Yogurt.

I had always loved cooking and experimenting with new flavors, so I was immediately intrigued by the combination of herbs, lemon, and yogurt in this recipe. I knew I had to try it out for myself.

I carefully copied down the ingredients and instructions, making sure to capture every detail. The next day, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in the kitchen.

As I prepared the herb lemon rub, the scent of fresh herbs filled the room, transporting me back to my childhood days spent in my grandmother's garden. I remembered how she would teach me the names of each herb and how to use them in different dishes.

With the rub ready, I coated the chicken generously, making sure to massage it into every crevice to ensure maximum flavor. I then placed the chicken in the oven and waited patiently as the aromas of lemon and herbs filled the air.

While the chicken roasted, I prepared the yogurt sauce, mixing together creamy yogurt, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice. The tangy flavor of the yogurt paired perfectly with the herb lemon rub, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Finally, the timer beeped, and I carefully removed the chicken from the oven. The skin was crispy and golden, and the meat was tender and juicy. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the art of cooking from her. She had always encouraged me to try new recipes and experiment with different flavors, and I knew she would have been proud of me for mastering this dish.

With each bite of the roast chicken with herb lemon rub and yogurt, I felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The flavors danced on my taste buds, taking me on a culinary journey that reminded me of the power of good food to bring joy and comfort.

As I finished my meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the day I discovered it and the memories it evoked. And I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, passing on the tradition of good food and cherished recipes for generations to come.