Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Tender Vegetables
This delightful Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken with Tender Vegetables is a mouthwatering dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. Adapted from Marcella Hazan's classic Italian recipe, this version expertly showcases the juicy, aromatic notes of lemon combined with fresh herbs. The chicken is beautifully roasted until golden brown, while surrounded by hearty carrots and creamy potatoes that soak up all the savory juices. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner for four, this dish is not only delicious but also offers plenty of leftovers for tomorrow’s meals. Impress your taste buds with this simple yet elegant recipe that captures the essence of home-cooked Italian goodness.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
1 lb (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Red or Yukon Gold Potatoes
1 1/2 lbs (scrubbed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces)
Whole Chicken
1 (3 to 4 lbs)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Small Lemons
2 (washed and punctured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Remove any giblets from the cavity of the whole chicken. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water, both inside and out, and remove any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3
Generously season the chicken both inside and out with salt and freshly ground black pepper, rubbing the seasoning into the skin and cavity.
4
Wash the lemons under cold water, then dry them with a towel. Soften each lemon by rolling them with the palm of your hand on a counter while applying firm downward pressure. Using a sturdy toothpick or fork, puncture the lemons at least 20 times each to allow their juices to escape while roasting.
5
Place both punctured lemons inside the chicken's cavity. Close the cavity opening securely but not completely airtight using toothpicks or kitchen twine; this will prevent the chicken from bursting while cooking. Tie the legs together gently without pulling tightly.
6
Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan, positioning it breast side down. Surround the chicken with the prepared carrot and potato pieces, spreading them evenly in the pan.
7
Place the pan in the upper third of the preheated oven. After 30 minutes, carefully turn the chicken over so the breast side is facing up, being cautious not to puncture the skin. Stir the carrots and potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
8
Continue roasting the chicken for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. Then, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Stir the vegetables again, making sure they are coated with the chicken drippings, and roast for a further 20 minutes.
9
The total cooking time should be around 20 to 25 minutes per pound of chicken. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving.
10
Serve the chicken whole at the table, leaving the lemons inside until you carve it. The flavorful juices will enhance the meat, and the lemons, while shriveled, will still offer a zesty splash when squeezed. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this Citrus Herb Roasted Chicken recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Marcella Hazan's classic Italian recipe, focusing on lemon and herb flavors.
What size chicken should I use?
You should use a whole chicken weighing between 3 and 4 lbs.
How many lemons are required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 small lemons, washed and punctured.
Why do I need to roll the lemons before roasting?
Rolling the lemons with the palm of your hand softens them, making it easier for juices to escape during roasting.
How many times should each lemon be punctured?
Each lemon should be punctured at least 20 times using a toothpick or fork.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Red or Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces.
What is the initial oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
At what point do I increase the oven temperature?
Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the final 20 minutes of roasting.
How long should the chicken roast in total?
The total roasting time is approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound of chicken.
Why do I start roasting the chicken breast side down?
Roasting breast side down initially helps keep the meat juicy before turning it over to brown the skin.
When do I turn the chicken over to the breast side up position?
The chicken should be turned over after the first 30 minutes of roasting.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve four people.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The chicken is seasoned generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains about 25g of protein.
How much fat is in this roasted chicken dish?
One serving contains approximately 15g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are about 22.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Where in the oven should the roasting pan be placed?
The pan should be placed in the upper third of the preheated oven.
How should I secure the chicken cavity?
Close the cavity securely using toothpicks or kitchen twine, ensuring it is not completely airtight.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Is it necessary to rinse the chicken?
The instructions recommend rinsing the chicken thoroughly under cold water and patting it dry.
What should I do with the giblets?
Remove any giblets from the cavity before you begin preparing the chicken.
How should the vegetables be arranged in the pan?
Surround the chicken with the carrot and potato pieces, spreading them evenly in the roasting pan.
What is the benefit of keeping lemons inside during carving?
The flavorful juices will enhance the meat, and the lemons can provide a zesty splash when squeezed.
How do I ensure the vegetables are well-flavored?
Stir the vegetables during the roasting process to ensure they are coated with the chicken drippings.
How should I tie the chicken legs?
Tie the legs together gently with kitchen twine without pulling them too tightly.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include roast chicken, Italian recipe, lemon chicken, whole chicken, and comfort food.
Can I use the leftovers from this meal?
Yes, the recipe description notes that it offers plenty of leftovers for future meals.
What is the preparation style for the potatoes?
The potatoes should be scrubbed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.