Roast chicken

Oven Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Oven-roasted chicken is a classic, savory, and versatile dish that has won the hearts of many food lovers over time. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the fragrance of garlic with the freshness of aromatic herbs, providing you with a delicious dish that will turn any meal into a celebration. Whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion, oven-roasted chicken will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (approximately 1 kg - 1.3 kg)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
- A paper bag (or parchment paper)
- 1 tablespoon lard (for greasing the bag)

Preparation:

1. Washing and preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Dry it with a paper towel to eliminate excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispy skin.

2. Mixing the spices: In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and if desired, hot paprika. Add 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. This mixture will give the chicken a rich aroma and a special flavor.

3. Preparing the garlic: Peel the cloves of garlic and cut them into medium strips. The garlic will add an intense flavor and will pair perfectly with the aromatic herbs.

4. Seasoning the chicken: Rub the chicken well with the spice mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then, stuff the chicken with the garlic strips, adding some sprigs of rosemary and thyme both inside and outside the chicken.

5. Preparing the paper bag: Take a paper bag (or use parchment paper) and grease it well with lard. This step will help keep the juices inside the chicken, giving it a tender and flavorful texture.

6. Baking the chicken: Place the chicken in the bag, tie the end securely, and place it on a baking tray. Bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 60 minutes. In the last 10 minutes of baking, you can open the bag to allow the skin to turn golden and crispy.

7. Serving: Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken. You can serve the chicken with various sides, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the chicken: Opt for a quality chicken, preferably naturally raised, for superior taste.
- Custom spices: You can experiment with various spices, such as oregano, basil, or even a splash of lemon, to give your chicken a different flavor.
- Adding sweetness: If you want a sweet flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the spice mixture. This will create a delicious caramelization on the chicken's skin.
- Side combinations: Oven-roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from grilled vegetables to vegetable rice or fried potatoes. Additionally, a dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits:

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in vitamins B6 and B3, which are essential for energy metabolism. Additionally, aromatic herbs such as rosemary and thyme have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making this recipe not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for pork or turkey, keeping in mind that the cooking time will vary.
- How can I store leftover chicken? Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.
- Is this a diet-friendly recipe? Oven-roasted chicken is an excellent option for a balanced diet, being low in calories and rich in nutrients.

We invite you to enjoy this delicious recipe and share it with your loved ones! Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, oven-roasted chicken with garlic and aromatic herbs will surely be a guaranteed success. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken weighing approximately 1kg - 1.3kg, salt, pepper, sweet and spicy paprika, 4-5 cloves of garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, a paper bag, a tablespoon of lard.

 Tags:  roast chicken