Herb-Infused Italian Roasted Chicken with Garlic Potatoes
This Herb-Infused Italian Roasted Chicken is not only a delicious one-dish meal but also a heart-healthy option for any family gathering or weeknight dinner. Marinated in a zesty blend of fat-free Italian dressing, citrus ponzu soy sauce, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil, this chicken is bursting with flavor. Baking with cut-up baking potatoes allows the vegetables to absorb the savory drippings, making them a perfect side. While it's simple and straightforward, feel free to personalize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices for added depth. Enjoy this wholesome and satisfying dish that serves 6-8 and is sure to impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole roasting chicken
4-5 lbs (cleaned and patted dry)
Fat-free or low-fat Italian salad dressing
1 1/2 cups (Kraft Zesty or similar)
Citrus ponzu soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
3 tablespoons (none)
Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Baking potatoes
2 cups (cut into strips)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2
Rinse the whole chicken under cold water, removing any innards from the cavity. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3
Place the chicken in a large roasting pan or a glass baking dish.
4
In a mixing bowl, combine the fat-free or low-fat Italian salad dressing, citrus ponzu soy sauce, and extra virgin olive oil to create the marinade.
5
Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring it gets into the cavity as well for maximum flavor.
6
Prepare the baking potatoes by cutting them into strips (like fries) and placing them around the chicken in the roasting pan.
7
Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in.
8
Roast in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours. After this time, carefully remove the foil and allow it to roast uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the skin of the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
9
Once the cooking time is complete, verify that the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the thigh.
10
Remove the chicken and potatoes from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes, carve, serve, and enjoy your flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Italian Roasted Chicken?
It is a heart-healthy, one-dish meal featuring a whole chicken marinated in a blend of Italian dressing, citrus ponzu, and olive oil, roasted alongside baking potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve between 6 and 8 people.
What is the recommended weight for the roasting chicken?
A whole roasting chicken weighing between 4 and 5 pounds is recommended for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken need to roast in total?
The total roasting time is approximately 2 hours: 1.5 hours covered and 30 minutes uncovered.
Should the chicken be covered while roasting?
Yes, the chicken should be covered tightly with aluminum foil for the first 1.5 hours to lock in moisture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the thigh.
What type of salad dressing should I use for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of fat-free or low-fat Italian salad dressing, such as Kraft Zesty.
Can I substitute the citrus ponzu soy sauce?
Yes, if you do not have citrus ponzu, you can use regular soy sauce as a substitute.
How should the baking potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be cut into strips similar to French fries before being placed in the roasting pan.
Is this recipe considered heart-healthy?
Yes, it is described as a heart-healthy option because it uses fat-free dressing and extra virgin olive oil.
Do I need to rinse the chicken before cooking?
According to the instructions, you should rinse the whole chicken under cold water and remove any innards from the cavity.
Why is the chicken patted dry with paper towels?
Patting the chicken dry ensures that it roasts properly and helps the skin become crispy.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the purpose of the citrus ponzu in the marinade?
The citrus ponzu soy sauce adds a zesty and savory depth of flavor to the chicken.
Where should the potatoes be placed in the pan?
The potato strips should be placed in the roasting pan around the chicken so they can absorb the savory drippings.
Can I add extra herbs to the recipe?
Yes, you are encouraged to personalize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices for additional depth.
How long should the chicken rest after being removed from the oven?
The chicken should rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is a simple and straightforward one-dish meal that is ideal for both family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
How much citrus ponzu soy sauce is needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of citrus ponzu soy sauce.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
You can use a large roasting pan or a glass baking dish.
What is the final appearance of the chicken skin?
The skin should be golden brown and crispy after the final 30 minutes of uncovered roasting.
How many cups of potatoes are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of baking potatoes.
Does the marinade go inside the chicken?
Yes, you should pour the marinade into the cavity as well as over the exterior for maximum flavor.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Since it is a one-dish meal where the potatoes and chicken cook together, it minimizes the number of pans needed.
Can I use regular Italian dressing?
The recipe suggests fat-free or low-fat to keep it heart-healthy, but regular Italian dressing can be used if preferred.
What makes the potatoes a perfect side?
They are perfect because they absorb the savory drippings from the chicken while roasting.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is salt and pepper required separately?
The recipe relies on the zesty Italian dressing and soy sauce for seasoning, but you can add more to taste.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinade and clean the chicken in advance, but it is best roasted fresh for the crispiest skin.