Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes Recipe - Perfectly Roasted Chicken with Tender Potatoes

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and flavorful herbs makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.

History

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The simple yet delicious combination of chicken and potatoes has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) small thin-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and halved
1 small white onion, cut in half
1 small carrot, quartered
0.5 cup garlic cloves, peeled
1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
0.25 cup butter, cut into small chunks
4 lb (1.81 kg) roasting chicken
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place the potatoes, cut side down, along with the onion, carrot, and garlic cloves in a rectangular baking pan.
Sprinkle the ingredients with rosemary and dot with butter.
Rinse the chicken inside and out, then pat it dry and place it breast side up on top of the vegetables.
Roast the dish uncovered in a 400°F (204°C) oven for 30 minutes, then brush the chicken with the pan juices and return it to the oven.
Continue to roast, basting often, for 45 minutes.
Tilt the chicken to drain the juices from the cavity into the pan.
Transfer the chicken, potatoes, and half of the garlic to a platter and keep them warm.
Scrape the onion, carrot, remaining garlic, and pan juices into a blender and process until smoothly pureed, adding enough broth to make a pourable sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then pour it into a small serving bowl.
Serve the chicken and vegetables with the sauce.

Variations

Add different herbs and spices to the chicken for a unique flavor profile.
Use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different cut of meat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Basting the chicken with pan juices throughout the cooking process will help keep it moist and flavorful.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. It is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or with your favorite sides.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. Roasting the chicken and vegetables at a high temperature helps to develop a crispy skin on the chicken and caramelized edges on the potatoes.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary or another herb of your choice. You can also substitute olive oil for butter if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetables and chicken ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to roast. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be reheated for leftovers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Roasted Chicken and Potatoes on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or lemonade.

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

One serving of Roasted Chicken and Potatoes contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the potatoes and vegetables. One serving of Roasted Chicken and Potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the butter used to dot the vegetables and the skin of the chicken. One serving of Roasted Chicken and Potatoes contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the chicken. One serving of Roasted Chicken and Potatoes contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and poultry (chicken), which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a simple yet delicious combination of roasted chicken and potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices that I knew would make for a hearty and satisfying meal. I had come across the recipe in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my mother, who had received it from her own mother many years ago. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the savory flavors in my mind.

I had always loved to cook, ever since I was a young girl helping my mother in the kitchen. She had taught me how to make all sorts of dishes, from simple soups and stews to more elaborate cakes and pastries. But there was something special about this recipe that called out to me. Perhaps it was the nostalgia of cooking a dish that had been passed down through generations, or maybe it was simply the promise of a delicious meal that would warm the hearts and bellies of my family.

I gathered the ingredients together, making sure to select the freshest chicken and potatoes I could find. I seasoned the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices, rubbing them into the skin to ensure that the flavors would penetrate deep into the meat. I tossed the potatoes in olive oil and sprinkled them with salt and pepper, knowing that they would become crispy and golden brown in the oven.

As I placed the chicken and potatoes in the oven to roast, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of herbs and spices mingling together. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction as I watched the dish cook, knowing that soon my family would be enjoying a delicious meal that I had prepared with my own two hands.

When the chicken and potatoes were done, I plated them up and set them on the table for my family to enjoy. As we sat down to eat, the conversation was lively and the laughter was contagious. I watched as my loved ones dug into the dish, their eyes lighting up with delight at the first bite. I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had succeeded in creating a meal that brought joy and comfort to those I cared about most.

From that day on, roasted chicken and potatoes became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions and family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe. I would smile and say that it was a family heirloom, passed down through the generations, but the truth was that I had added my own touch to it, making it uniquely mine.

Years passed, and I continued to make roasted chicken and potatoes for my family, each time tweaking the recipe ever so slightly to suit our tastes. Sometimes I would add a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of heat. But no matter how I altered the recipe, the core flavors remained the same, a testament to the timeless appeal of a simple and delicious dish.

As I grew older, I began to think about passing the recipe down to the next generation. I knew that my children and grandchildren would one day carry on the tradition of making roasted chicken and potatoes, just as I had learned from my own mother. I hoped that they would find as much joy and satisfaction in cooking as I had, and that they would continue to share the love and warmth of a home-cooked meal with their own families.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on a lifetime of memories and meals shared with loved ones, I am grateful for the simple pleasures of cooking and the joy it has brought to my life. Roasted chicken and potatoes will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds of family and the love that can be expressed through a delicious meal.