The Best Herb Roasted Chicken – Spring Recipes

Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for springtime? This Springtime Herb Roasted Chicken is the answer! Tender and juicy chicken meat infused with the flavors of garlic, thyme, rosemary, and oregano, this dish is the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Plus, the added bonus of a refreshing citrus note from the sliced lemon makes this dish even more irresistible.

Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also economical, versatile, and nutritious. You can use the leftovers for a variety of dishes, including bone broth, chicken salad, soup, or stew. So why not take advantage of the spring season and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delectable Springtime Herb Roasted Whole Chicken?

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4-5 pounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Herb Roasted Chicken Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pat the whole chicken dry with a paper towel, and then rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and in the cavity.
4. Place the lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.
5. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan breast side up.
6. Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan and cover the chicken with aluminum foil.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
8. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy.
9. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy your Springtime Herb Roasted Whole Chicken!

Why Roasting Whole Chicken is Better

Cooking a whole chicken has several advantages over using just the breasts or thighs.

1. Cost-effective: Buying a whole chicken is often less expensive than buying individual chicken parts, such as breasts or thighs.
2. More flavor: Cooking a whole chicken allows the meat to cook with the bones, which adds more flavor and depth to the dish. The bones also help to keep the meat moist and tender.
3. Versatility: Cooking a whole chicken allows you to use the meat in a variety of dishes. You can use the leftover meat for sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles.
4. More economical: Cooking a whole chicken is more economical than cooking just the breasts or thighs, because it provides more servings per pound. This is especially important if you are cooking for a large family or group.
5. Nutritious: Cooking a whole chicken provides a nutritious and balanced meal. The skin of the chicken is a good source of healthy fats, and the meat is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Cooking a whole chicken is not only more cost-effective, but it also provides a more flavorful and versatile meal that is both nutritious and economical.

Internal Temperature

When cooking a whole chicken, it’s important to make sure it’s cooked to the right temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. The recommended internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). To check the internal temperature, you can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure not to touch the bone. Once the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is cooked and safe to eat.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of your chicken by cutting into the meat near the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white, with no pink or red juices visible. The chicken should be tender and pull away easily from the bone.

Chicken needs to cook longer if:

• If the meat is still pink or the juices are pink/red,
• or if the chicken is tougher
• if meat does not pull away easily from the bone, it needs to be cooked longer!

It’s important not to overcook your chicken as this can result in dry and tough meat. Once your chicken has reached the appropriate internal temperature and is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.

It’s crucial to check the internal temperature of your roasted chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer or check for doneness by cutting into the meat near the thickest part of the chicken, and make sure to let the chicken rest before carving to retain its juiciness.

What to do with Leftover Herb Roasted Chicken

what to do with the leftovers from your Springtime Herb Roasted Chicken:

1. Chicken Salad: Chop up the leftover chicken meat and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and any other desired ingredients for a delicious and easy chicken salad.
2. Soup or Stew: Use the leftover chicken bones and meat to make a flavorful chicken soup or stew. Simply simmer the bones in water with some vegetables and herbs for a few hours to make a rich and nutritious broth. Then, add in the leftover chicken meat and any desired vegetables or grains for a comforting and healthy meal.
3. Casserole: Use the leftover chicken meat in a casserole dish with vegetables, cheese, and pasta or rice for a comforting and easy meal.
4. Sandwiches: Use the leftover chicken meat in sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
5. Bone Broth: Use the leftover chicken bones to make a nutritious and flavorful bone broth. Simply simmer the bones in water with vegetables and herbs for several hours to extract the nutrients and minerals from the bones. Strain the broth and use it as a base for soups, stews, or other dishes.

The leftovers from your Springtime Herb Roasted Whole Chicken can be used in a variety of ways, from chicken salad to bone broth. Get creative and enjoy the delicious and nutritious benefits of using all parts of the whole chicken.