Grilled chicken

Roast Chicken: A Classic and Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to our kitchen! Here, we are ready to embrace tradition with a roast chicken recipe that will transform ordinary meals into unforgettable moments. This simple and tasty recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a party with friends. Let’s discover together the steps to achieve a juicy and flavorful roast chicken!

A Brief Story About Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is a dish that has crossed generations, with deep roots in kitchens around the world. Whether it’s a festive meal or an ordinary dinner, roast chicken is often the star of the table. This simple recipe reminds us of the pleasant moments spent with loved ones, where the inviting aroma of roast chicken fills the house and stirs beautiful memories.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 large chicken (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 300 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1-2 tablespoons of chicken spices (you can use a combination of salt, pepper, sweet paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder)
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme)
- 5-6 cloves of garlic (optional, but recommended)

Ingredient Details

Chicken: Choose a quality chicken, preferably from a local farmer or a trusted source. A naturally raised chicken will have juicier and tastier meat.

Olive oil: Can be replaced with sunflower oil, but olive oil adds a flavorful touch.

Tomato paste: Use good quality tomato paste to achieve a rich taste. You can make it at home or buy one from the store.

Spices: Choose your favorite spices for chicken, but don’t overdo it with salt.

Thyme: This aromatic herb adds a special flavor, but besides thyme, you can also experiment with rosemary or oregano.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It’s important that the temperature is consistent for even cooking of the chicken.

2. Clean the chicken, remove any leftover feathers, and rinse it under cold water. Dry it well with a paper towel to allow the spices to adhere better to the meat.

Step 2: Seasoning

3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, tomato paste, chicken spices, and thyme. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous marinade.

4. Use a kitchen brush to coat the chicken with this marinade, ensuring it gets under the skin to intensify the flavors.

5. If desired, you can cut a few cloves of garlic in half and place them inside the chicken for a subtle flavor.

Step 3: Preparing in the Pan

6. Place the chicken in a baking dish, breast side up. Add water to the dish to help maintain moisture, but without covering the chicken.

7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the meat from drying out.

Step 4: Baking

8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the aluminum foil and allow it to brown for 15-20 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Serving

Roast chicken is delicious served alongside pickles or mashed potatoes. You can also add a fresh salad for a pleasant contrast of flavors and textures. Use a large plate and beautifully arrange the chicken to impress your guests.

Useful Tips

- Cooking Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked. The internal temperature should reach 75°C.

- Variations: You can experiment with different spices by adding lemon, honey, or soy sauce to the marinade for a different flavor.

- Leftovers: If you have leftover chicken, you can use it in salads, soups, or sandwiches. It’s a great way to avoid food waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use thawed chicken?
Yes, make sure the chicken is completely thawed before preparing it.

2. How can I make the roast spicier?
Add chili peppers to the marinade or use spicy seasonings.

3. Is this recipe healthy?
Chicken is a good source of protein, and olive oil adds healthy fats. You can reduce the amount of oil to make the dish even healthier.

4. What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or even tomato juice, but the taste will be different.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to prepare a delicious roast chicken! This classic recipe is simple and allows for many variations, ensuring that every meal becomes special. Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!