Dreamy Roast Chicken: a burst of flavor in every bite. Imagine a perfect roast chicken: golden, crispy skin that gives way to your bite, releasing an intoxicating aroma of herbs. The juicy, tender meat melts in your mouth, enveloping the palate with a rich and irresistible taste. With this quick and easy recipe, you can bring a finger-licking roast chicken to the table, perfect for a family dinner or a lunch with friends. No need for an elaborate marinade: the secret to perfect roast chicken is using quality ingredients and following a few simple steps. What are you waiting for? Try this recipe now and get ready to win over your guests’ palates!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 6
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons, Ferragosto
- Energy 160.17 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 0.04 (g) of which sugars 0.00 (g)
- Proteins 37.29 (g)
- Fat 1.28 (g) of which saturated 0.48 (g)of which unsaturated 0.80 (g)
- Fibers 0.00 (g)
- Sodium 207.93 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 160 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (5.5 lbs)
- A few cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- to taste salt
Tools
- 1 Barbecue
Steps
To achieve an irresistible, flavorful, juicy roast chicken with crispy skin, choosing the right chicken is crucial. Here are some tips for selecting the main ingredient of this recipe: Opt for slow-growing premium breeds like Bresse or Valdostana. Prefer free-range chickens that have had space to move and feed naturally. The chicken’s skin should be smooth, tight, and uniformly colored, free of spots or bruises. The meat should have a fresh, pleasant smell, never pungent or unpleasant.
Note: If the quality of the chicken is excellent, to maximize the flavor of its meat, there is no need to add marinades or spices. To give a delicate taste and characteristic aroma to the roast chicken, we can insert into its cavity: 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2-3 leaves of fresh sage, and 1 whole garlic clove.
After cleaning, washing, and drying the chicken, insert into its cavity the rosemary sprigs, sage leaves, and garlic clove. Place the chicken on a baking tray equipped with a raised rack. This way, excess fat drips into the tray during cooking, making the chicken lighter and more digestible.
For cooking, we can choose from several options: A preheated static oven at 356°F and cook the chicken for about 2 hours if the weight exceeds 4.4 lbs. And grill function for 30 minutes for particularly crispy and flavorful skin. If you prefer to use the barbecue, light the fire and set the thermostat to 356°F and cook the chicken with the lid closed for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. In my case, I opted for cooking on a gas barbecue with the lid closed and the thermostat set to 356°F for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Your irresistible roast chicken is ready! Flavorful, juicy, and with crispy skin, it’s a real treat for the palate. To serve it best, cut it into pieces and separate the thighs from the wings and divide the breast into slices. Lightly salt each piece of chicken to taste and serve the chicken hot, accompanied by your favorite sauces. Great with Greek yogurt-based sauce, chimichurri sauce: an Argentine condiment based on parsley or a barbecue sauce: a sweet and sour sauce made from tomato, vinegar, sugar, and spices, perfect for lovers of strong flavors.
Bon appétit from Fabio Verdiglione, DadCook
Storing Roast Chicken:
Roast chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some tips for best storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to prevent the chicken from drying out or absorbing other odors. Place the chicken on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is colder. Consume the chicken within 3-4 days of cooking. If you wish to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it. How to freeze roast chicken: Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn. Label the chicken with the freezing date and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it. Alternative thawing: Thaw the chicken in the microwave using the defrost function. Ensure the chicken is completely thawed before cooking it. Tips for safely thawing chicken: Do not thaw chicken at room temperature, as this may encourage bacterial growth. Do not cook partially thawed chicken. Thaw chicken only once. By following these tips, you can safely store your roast chicken and enjoy it even in the following days.
Roast chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some tips for best storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to prevent the chicken from drying out or absorbing other odors. Place the chicken on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature is colder. Consume the chicken within 3-4 days of cooking. If you wish to store the chicken for a longer period, you can freeze it. How to freeze roast chicken: Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn. Label the chicken with the freezing date and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before using it. Alternative thawing: Thaw the chicken in the microwave using the defrost function. Ensure the chicken is completely thawed before cooking it. Tips for safely thawing chicken: Do not thaw chicken at room temperature, as this may encourage bacterial growth. Do not cook partially thawed chicken. Thaw chicken only once. By following these tips, you can safely store your roast chicken and enjoy it even in the following days.
Wine to Pair with Roast Chicken:
Choosing the right wine to accompany roast chicken depends on several factors, including the type of cooking, the spices used, and personal tastes. In general, however, here are some tips: For a classic roast chicken: a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti Classico, Valpolicella, or Nero d’Avola pairs perfectly. For a spiced roast chicken: an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio can help balance the strong flavors. For a grilled roast chicken: a fresh rosé wine like Rosato del Salento or Cerasuolo di Vittoria is an excellent choice. If you prefer bubbles: a brut sparkling wine or prosecco can accompany roast chicken with a touch of elegance. Besides the type of wine, serving temperature is also important. Red wines should be served at room temperature, while white and rosé wines should be served chilled. Finally, don’t forget to consider your personal tastes! Choose a wine you like and that pairs well with the flavors of your roast chicken. Here are some additional tips for wine-chicken pairing: If the chicken is marinated with herbs like rosemary or sage, choose a wine with herbal notes. If the chicken is seasoned with spices like chili or curry, choose a wine with a bit of sweetness to balance the spice. If serving the chicken with a side of vegetables, choose a wine that pairs well with the vegetables too. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect wine to accompany your roast chicken and create a delicious and memorable meal.
Choosing the right wine to accompany roast chicken depends on several factors, including the type of cooking, the spices used, and personal tastes. In general, however, here are some tips: For a classic roast chicken: a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti Classico, Valpolicella, or Nero d’Avola pairs perfectly. For a spiced roast chicken: an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio can help balance the strong flavors. For a grilled roast chicken: a fresh rosé wine like Rosato del Salento or Cerasuolo di Vittoria is an excellent choice. If you prefer bubbles: a brut sparkling wine or prosecco can accompany roast chicken with a touch of elegance. Besides the type of wine, serving temperature is also important. Red wines should be served at room temperature, while white and rosé wines should be served chilled. Finally, don’t forget to consider your personal tastes! Choose a wine you like and that pairs well with the flavors of your roast chicken. Here are some additional tips for wine-chicken pairing: If the chicken is marinated with herbs like rosemary or sage, choose a wine with herbal notes. If the chicken is seasoned with spices like chili or curry, choose a wine with a bit of sweetness to balance the spice. If serving the chicken with a side of vegetables, choose a wine that pairs well with the vegetables too. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect wine to accompany your roast chicken and create a delicious and memorable meal.
Choosing the right wine to accompany roast chicken depends on several factors, including the type of cooking, the spices used, and personal tastes. In general, however, here are some tips: For a classic roast chicken: a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti Classico, Valpolicella, or Nero d’Avola pairs perfectly. For a spiced roast chicken: an aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio can help balance the strong flavors. For a grilled roast chicken: a fresh rosé wine like Rosato del Salento or Cerasuolo di Vittoria is an excellent choice. If you prefer bubbles: a brut sparkling wine or prosecco can accompany roast chicken with a touch of elegance. Besides the type of wine, serving temperature is also important. Red wines should be served at room temperature, while white and rosé wines should be served chilled. Finally, don’t forget to consider your personal tastes! Choose a wine you like and that pairs well with the flavors of your roast chicken. Here are some additional tips for wine-chicken pairing: If the chicken is marinated with herbs like rosemary or sage, choose a wine with herbal notes. If the chicken is seasoned with spices like chili or curry, choose a wine with a bit of sweetness to balance the spice. If serving the chicken with a side of vegetables, choose a wine that pairs well with the vegetables too. With these tips, you’ll be able to choose the perfect wine to accompany your roast chicken and create a delicious and memorable meal.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I cook the chicken already cut into pieces?
Yes, it is possible to cook the chicken already cut into pieces. However, it’s important to keep in mind that cooking smaller pieces of chicken will require less cooking time compared to a whole chicken.
