If you're a fan of comfort food with an elegant twist, then you've likely heard of Ina Garten and her culinary masterpiece, the Ultimate Roasted Chicken. This classic dish is not just about the taste but also about the warmth and memories it evokes. Here's how you can recreate this delicious recipe at home, with step-by-step instructions designed to elevate your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 (5 to 6-pound) roasting chicken
- 2 tablespoons of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large bunch of fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
- 4 carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons of good olive oil
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient adding to the rich, comforting flavor profile.
Preparation
Let’s prepare for a culinary journey:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
- Pat the chicken dry: Using paper towels, thoroughly pat the chicken dry inside and out. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy skin.
- Season the chicken: Mix the salt, pepper, and 10 sprigs of thyme in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including the cavity. Place the lemon, garlic, and remaining thyme inside the cavity.
- Tie the legs together: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together to help the chicken retain its shape during cooking.
Cooking the Chicken
With the chicken seasoned, it’s time to cook:
- Prepare the vegetables: Toss the onion, carrots, and fennel with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken: Brush the outside of the chicken with the melted butter. Set the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Place in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.
- Resting: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird.
Notes
💡 Note: While roasting, basting the chicken with its juices will enhance the flavor and keep the meat tender. Do this every 20 minutes or so.
🌿 Note: The addition of fresh thyme not only imparts flavor but also adds a lovely fragrance to your kitchen. Don’t skimp on this herb!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the roasted chicken hot with the vegetables from the pan for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a simple salad or perhaps Ina Garten’s famous Parmesan-Roasted Broccolini.
- The roasted vegetables can be blended into a rustic soup the next day to get the most out of the flavors.
As you carve into this Ultimate Roasted Chicken, you'll taste the essence of simple, yet sophisticated, comfort food. Each bite is infused with aromatic herbs, and the process of roasting infuses the chicken with rich flavors that only a perfectly roasted bird can offer. This dish not only feeds the soul but also brings people together around a table, celebrating the joy of good food.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
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Yes, you can use dried thyme, but use about 1⁄3 less than the amount called for in the recipe because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
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The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables up to a day in advance. Just store everything in the refrigerator separately, and assemble in the roasting pan just before you put it in the oven.
