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Bake Whole Chicken Recipe
Baked Whole Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Feast
Delight your family with a classic baked whole chicken, brimming with flavor and cooked to tender perfection. This recipe simplifies the process, making it perfect for a Sunday dinner or any special occasion. Let’s dive into the steps for creating a succulent, aromatic whole chicken that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- Additional herbs for stuffing (optional)
Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning the exterior.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Ensuring the chicken is dry helps the skin become crispy during baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for extra flavor. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, quartered onion, and additional herbs, if desired.
- Truss the Chicken: Trussing (tying the legs together and tucking the wing tips) helps the chicken cook evenly. Use kitchen twine to secure the legs and tuck the wings under the body.
Baking:
- Bake: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or on a rack in a baking dish. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If the skin browns too quickly, tent the chicken with aluminum foil.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions:
Carve the chicken and serve with sides of your choice. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad make perfect companions to this hearty dish. The lemon and herbs inside the cavity impart a wonderful aroma and subtle flavor to the meat, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Tips for Perfect Baked Whole Chicken:
- Butter Under the Skin: Gently lifting the skin and spreading the butter mixture directly on the meat can significantly enhance the flavor and juiciness of the chicken.
- Vegetable Bed: Consider placing the chicken on a bed of root vegetables in the roasting pan. The vegetables will cook in the chicken juices, adding flavor to your side dish and keeping the chicken elevated.
- Checking Doneness: Besides using a meat thermometer, check that the legs move easily in their sockets and that the juices are clear when you pierce the chicken between the leg and the thigh.
This baked whole chicken recipe is a foolproof way to achieve a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen!