Oven Roasted Chicken

Chicken is an extremely versatile food that can be prepared in numerous ways. Although methods of preparation and roasting chicken vary from country to country, a perfectly roasted chicken suits all occasions and celebrations. However, people usually think roasting chicken at home is time-consuming and difficult, but actually it is not so. In fact roasting a chicken is one of the most simplest way of cooking this bird that provides an extremely tasty and crispy meal. Therefore, without wasting any time, let us have a look at different methods of roasting chicken in an oven and oven roasted recipe.

Whole Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 (3 to 4 pound) chicken, rinsed and patted dry
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into thirds
• 3 onions, peeled and cut into quarters
• 3 ribs celery, peeled and cut into thirds
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 6 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 tsp cracked white pepper
• 4 sprigs rosemary, roughly chopped, plus 1 tbsp for gravy
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp roasted garlic
• 1 cup dry white wine

Preparation

In a 9 by 13 inch roasting pan, put the carrots, celery and onions. Season the chicken both inside and outside with the kosher salt and white pepper and squeeze the lemon halves over it. Place the lemon rinds and bay leaves inside the cavity. Now take a small bowl and mix the garlic, rosemary, olive oil and butter. Rub both sides of the chicken with the garlic rosemary blend and keep in the roasting pan. Place the pan in the oven and roast the chicken in the preheated oven at 500 F for 40 - 50 minutes, or until the juices run clear.

For more confirmation, insert a thermometer in the thickest part of a leg and if it shows 160 F internal temperature, remove the chicken from the oven and allow to cool for 10 - 15 minutes before carving. To prepare the gravy, first remove excess fat from pan and return to heat. Whisk in chicken stock, roasted garlic, white wine and chopped rosemary, and bring to a boil. Then let it simmer until the gravy thickens. Finally serve the roasted chicken with gravy on the side.

Roasted Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 4 skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Cooking spray
• Lemon juice
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

In a roasting pan, keep the chicken thighs coated with cooking spray, drizzle with lemon juice, and rub with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Transfer the pan in the oven and roast the chicken thighs in an preheated oven at 450 F for 25 - 30 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown.

Roasted Chicken Legs

Ingredients

• 4 corn-fed chicken legs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 pinch mild curry powder
• 4 - 5 sprigs of sage (leaves only)

Preparation

First remove wrapping from the chicken legs and wash under cold running water; pat dry with kitchen paper. Take a small bowl and mix 1 tbsp olive oil with garlic, salt and curry powder. Brush this mixture all over the chicken legs and keep them into a roasting pan. In a preheated oven, roast the chicken at 400 F for 15 - 20 minutes, and then turn the oven down to 360 F and cook for a further 30 - 40 minutes. Meanwhile, combine sage with remaining olive oil and drizzle over the chicken legs during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Before serving, allow the chicken to rest for 5 - 7 minutes in the oven with the door open, and then serve with fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Roasted Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

• 2 (3 oz) chicken breasts, skinned
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne

Preparation

Take a small bowl and mix lemon juice, pepper, and cayenne. Brush this mixture over the chicken breast pieces and keep them in a roasting pan. Place the pan in a preheated oven and roast the chicken at 350 F for 25 - 30 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 - 7 minutes and then serve the roasted chicken pieces.

I hope now you have a fair idea on how to roast chicken. To enhance the flavor and the texture of your roasted chicken, you can use different seasonings and spices. So, what are waiting for? Prepare a delicious and enticing roasted chicken for your family tonight and get ready for loads of compliments coming your way.