Introduction
Indulge in a delicious roast chicken dish that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe utilizes chicken marylands or bone-in, skin-on thighs, paired with a savory herb and garlic butter that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this tender and juicy roast chicken is sure to impress.
Ingredients
4 pieces (~1.5 kg/3 lb) chicken marylands (US: leg quarters) or 8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
1/2 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
1/3 cup chardonnay or other dry white wine (substitute with low-sodium chicken stock/broth)
Herb & Garlic Butter:
100g/7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced using a garlic press
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
2 teaspoons thyme leaves, finely chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme)
3/4 teaspoon cooking/kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
To prepare this mouth-watering dish, start by preheating the oven. Next, create the herb and garlic butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs. Carefully loosen the chicken skin without tearing it and spread the seasoned butter underneath and on top of the skin.
Arrange the chicken in a roasting pan, sprinkle with salt, and pour in the wine or broth. Roast in the oven for an initial 10 minutes at a high temperature for browning, then lower the heat and continue roasting while basting the chicken.
After cooking, let the chicken rest briefly before serving with the delicious pan juices. Enjoy this flavorful roast chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken.
Prepare the Herb & Garlic Butter
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, finely chopped thyme, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Loosen the Chicken Skin
Take each piece of chicken and, using the back of a spoon, gently loosen the skin from the chicken flesh mainly on the thigh and most of the leg. Be cautious not to tear the skin during this process.
Apply the Herb & Garlic Butter
Spread approximately 80% of the prepared herb and garlic butter mixture under the loosened skin of each chicken piece. Additionally, apply a small amount (about 5%) of the butter mixture on the underside (flesh side) of the chicken, and then use the remaining mixture to coat the skin on top.
Prepare for Roasting
Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a roasting pan with the skin side facing up. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the skin. Carefully pour the chardonnay or low-sodium chicken stock around the chicken in the pan.
Initial Roasting
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to promote browning of the skin.
Lower the Temperature
After 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) and continue roasting for an additional 40 minutes.
Baste the Chicken
At the 20-minute mark of the lower temperature, begin basting the chicken with the pan juices every 10 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Serve the chicken with the delicious pan juices drizzled over the top for added flavor.
Notes
Choosing Chicken Pieces
You may use either chicken marylands (leg quarters) or bone-in, skin-on thighs based on your preference.
Wine Substitute
If you prefer not to use white wine, feel free to substitute it with low-sodium chicken stock or broth.
Basting Tip
Basting not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist. Make sure to baste every 10 minutes after the first 20 minutes of roasting.
Resting Period
Allowing the chicken to rest before serving helps the juices redistribute, making the meat juicier and more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
Cook techniques
Roasting
Roasting is a dry heat cooking method that involves cooking food evenly in an oven. In this recipe, the chicken is roasted to achieve crispy skin and tender meat, enhancing its overall flavor.
Butter Under the Skin
This technique involves loosening the skin of the chicken and spreading herb-infused butter underneath. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Basting
Basting involves spooning pan juices over the chicken during roasting. This technique helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances the flavor and browning of the skin.
Seasoning
Proper seasoning, using salt and pepper, is crucial in enhancing the flavors of the dish. Salting the skin of the chicken before roasting helps to create a crispy exterior.
Resting
Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
FAQ
Can I use different herbs instead of rosemary and thyme?
Yes, you can substitute with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or sage, depending on your preference.
What if I don’t have white wine?
You can substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken stock or broth for a similar flavor profile.
How long should I roast the chicken if using smaller pieces?
If using smaller chicken pieces, adjust the roasting time. Generally, they will require less time, so start checking for doneness after 30 minutes.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after roasting?
Yes, resting is important as it allows the juices to settle, making the meat more tender and juicy when sliced.
Can I prepare the herb and garlic butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the herb and garlic butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it.
Conclusion
The herb and garlic butter chicken highlights the wonderful combination of flavors from the fresh herbs and garlic, perfectly complemented by the richness of the chicken. This dish not only results in tender, flavorful meat but also creates a delicious sauce from the pan juices, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
Herbed Lemon Roasted Vegetables
Toss a mix of your favorite vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers with olive oil, lemon juice, and similar herbs before roasting alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serve creamy mashed potatoes made with roasted garlic and a hint of butter as a comforting side dish to balance the richness of the chicken.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Quickly grill asparagus spears and dress them with a sprinkle of lemon zest and sea salt for a fresh, vibrant side that pairs well with the roasted chicken.
Quinoa Salad with Feta and Spinach
Prepare a refreshing quinoa salad with fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to offer a healthy, crunchy contrast to the dish.
Classic Caesar Salad
A traditional Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese dressed in a creamy Caesar dressing provides a classic pairing to the chicken.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots with honey and thyme offer a sweet and savory addition that complements the herbaceous flavors in the chicken.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Roast broccoli florets tossed in olive oil and parmesan cheese for a crispy side that adds both nutritional value and flavor to your meal.
Herbed Rice Pilaf
Try serving herbed rice pilaf, cooked with broth and herbs, as a flavorful base that absorbs the pan juices from the chicken, enhancing the overall dish experience.
