Herb-Infused Slow Roasted Chicken
Discover the secret to a succulent and flavorful meal with this Herb-Infused Slow Roasted Chicken. After marinating overnight, the chicken becomes tender and packed with aromatic spices that envelope each bite. This recipe allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors, making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Whether you choose to roast a whole bird or prepare multiple chickens, the slow-roasting method ensures a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy. Customize the garlic levels to your taste, and enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen as it cooks. A true crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare - just remember to plan ahead for the marinating!
N/A
Servings
416
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
Onion Powder
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dried Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (rubbed between fingers)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
Fresh Minced Garlic
1 tablespoon (can use less)
Whole Chicken
1 (3 1/2-4 lb) (cleaned and patted dry)
Oil
2-3 tablespoons (for rubbing)
Onion
1 large (quartered)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to create your spice blend.
2
Rinse the whole chicken and its cavity under cold water, then thoroughly pat it dry using paper towels.
3
Rub the exterior of the chicken generously with oil, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4
Inside the cavity, rub minced garlic and season with a pinch of salt or use your spice mixture for added flavor.
5
Next, massage the spice mixture all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring every part is well-covered.
6
Transfer the chicken to a glass dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
7
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
8
After marinating, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and place it in a greased roasting pan. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion to enhance the flavor.
9
Roast the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 4-1/2 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and the juices run clear.
10
Once cooked, tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This step is crucial for juicy meat!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
2g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Slow Roasted Chicken?
It is a succulent and flavorful meal prepared by marinating a whole chicken overnight with aromatic spices and slow-roasting it at a low temperature for tender meat and crispy skin.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, though up to 24 hours is recommended for maximum flavor penetration.
What is the recommended roasting temperature?
The chicken should be slow-roasted at a low temperature of 275°F (135°C).
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The chicken typically needs to roast uncovered for approximately 4.5 hours until the meat is extremely tender.
What spices are used in the dry rub?
The spice blend consists of salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Why do I need to pat the chicken dry?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels after rinsing ensures the oil and spice rub adhere properly and helps achieve a crispier skin.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic used?
Yes, you can customize the levels of both fresh minced garlic and garlic powder to suit your personal taste preferences.
What should I put inside the chicken cavity?
The cavity should be rubbed with minced garlic and seasonings, then stuffed with a quartered onion to enhance the flavor.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting the chicken for 15 minutes under aluminum foil allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and juicy when carved.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 416 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 30 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carbohydrate recipe?
Yes, the recipe is very low in carbs, containing only about 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size chicken is best for this recipe?
A whole chicken weighing between 3.5 and 4 pounds is recommended for this slow-roasting method.
What type of oil should I use for rubbing the chicken?
The recipe calls for 2-3 tablespoons of oil; you can use any high-heat cooking oil suitable for roasting.
Should the chicken be covered while roasting?
No, the chicken should be roasted uncovered to allow the skin to crisp up while the meat cooks slowly.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
While the recipe specifies dried thyme rubbed between fingers, you can substitute fresh thyme, though the flavor intensity may vary.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the meat is extremely tender and the juices run clear when the bird is pierced.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as a true crowd-pleaser that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions.
How much salt is used in the spice blend?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though it can be adjusted to taste.
What is the purpose of the quartered onion?
The onion is placed inside the cavity to infuse the chicken with aromatic flavor from the inside out during the long roasting process.
Do I need to grease the roasting pan?
Yes, you should place the marinated chicken in a greased roasting pan before putting it in the oven.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it yields a whole bird with plenty of meat, it is excellent for preparing high-protein meals for the week.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, this recipe contains 0 grams of fiber and 0 grams of sugar.
What is the benefit of rubbing dried thyme between your fingers?
Rubbing the dried thyme helps release its natural oils and aromatics, resulting in a more flavorful herb infusion.
Can I roast multiple chickens at once?
Yes, this slow-roasting method is suitable for preparing multiple chickens, provided your oven and roasting pans have enough space.
What makes the chicken 'herb-infused'?
The combination of the overnight dry rub marinade and the aromatic vegetables in the cavity infuses the meat with flavor throughout the slow cooking process.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a small mixing bowl, paper towels, a glass dish, plastic wrap, a roasting pan, and aluminum foil for tenting.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 10 main ingredients: salt, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, fresh garlic, whole chicken, oil, and onion.
What is the most important step for juicy meat?
Tenting the chicken with foil and letting it rest for 15 minutes after roasting is the most crucial step for maintaining juicy meat.