Simple Lemon Basil Roasted Chicken

Happy Wednesday everyone!  It is time to share an old classic - roasted chicken.  Yesterday proved to be a busy day all around.  Not only did I have a tonne of real work to do at the office, I also had to cram my blogging duties into a smaller window.  Tough I know, but what is a guy to do?

As I was preparing in the morning for what to post for today in conjunction with what hairstyle to go with, I thought that a roasted chicken would be the answer.  I had a chicken sitting in the freezer that was aching to be roasted in the oven.

There is nothing better than the smell of your house while a chicken is roasting.  I opted for a lemon basil mix for this bird.

So lets dust off the counter, grab the cutting board and prep this bird for some lovin’.

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. Basil
1 Tbsp. Thyme
1 Tbsp. butter
3 garlic cloves, whole
1 Tsp. grated lemon peel
1 3-pound roasting chicken
1 lemon, quartered
Salt and Pepper

Method

Preheat oven to 500°F.

Mix basil, lemon rind, salt and pepper in bowl.
Rinse chicken; pat dry. Place chicken in roasting pan. Rub all dry spices all over the chicken and then top with pat of butter. Place lemon in cavity of chicken.

Roast chicken 15minutes ( without the lid).
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and cover. Roast chicken until legs move easily to the touch and the top is golden brown.  Usually about 20 minutes per pound.
Lift chicken and tilt slightly, emptying juices from cavity into pan.
Transfer chicken to serving platter.
Tent chicken with aluminum foil to keep warm (this will allow the juices to flow back into the center of the chicken).

ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: When roasting chicken, it is best to place the breast side down to ensure the chicken will be moist once the cooking time is complete.  Also, don’t go poking the meat to see if it is cooked.  Use your sense of smell and the leg test.  If you grab the chicken leg and it moves very easily  - that bird is cooked!

What a bird… so juicy and flavorful! What do you like to eat with your chicken?  Are you a gravy lover? Let me know - I love to hear everybody’s ideas.  Keep smiling everybody and I can’t wait to hear your comments.

Have a great Wednesday!

Zesty