There’s an undeniable magic in roasting a whole chicken. Beyond the incredible aroma that fills your kitchen, it’s a testament to smart, economical cooking, allowing you to utilize the entire bird with minimal waste. Unlike pre-portioned, boneless, skinless breasts, opting for a whole roaster significantly reduces your grocery bill while maximizing flavor and versatility for multiple meals.

One of the greatest benefits of roasting a whole chicken is the opportunity to create a rich, homemade broth from the leftover bones and drippings. This simple, yet incredibly rewarding, process transforms what might otherwise be discarded into a liquid goldmine of flavor and nutrients. To do this, simply collect the carcass and any pan drippings, place them in your crockpot, and cover them with just enough water. Let it simmer overnight on a low setting, allowing the flavors to meld and the collagen to release. The following morning, strain the broth to remove solids. Then, refrigerate it until the fat solidifies and rises to the top, making it effortless to skim off for a clearer, healthier broth. This homemade liquid is an excellent base for hearty soups featuring leftover chicken meat, or it can be frozen in convenient portions for future recipes, adding unparalleled depth to sauces, risottos, and stews.

Embracing the art of batch cooking by preparing more than one roast chicken at a time is a brilliant strategy for efficient meal planning. This approach not only ensures your freezer is stocked with flavorful, pre-cooked poultry, ready for quick weeknight dinners, but it also yields a generous quantity of that delicious homemade broth we just discussed. When roasting two birds simultaneously, you might find your crockpot too small for all the bones. In such cases, easily switch to making the broth on your stovetop. Just simmer the bones for a couple of hours after dinner, then proceed with straining and refrigerating as usual. Having cooked chicken on hand is a game-changer for busy households, transforming meal prep into a breeze.

The beauty of this Lemon Rosemary Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect centerpiece for almost any meal. It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. Some of my personal favorites include:

• Microwave Acorn Squash: Its natural sweetness and tender texture beautifully complement the savory, herbaceous notes of the chicken. A quick and easy prep method makes it a go-to.
• Slow-Simmered Green Beans: Cooked until tender with a hint of smoky bacon or a touch of garlic, they offer a comforting, traditional pairing.
• Steamed Broccoli: A vibrant green and healthy option that adds a touch of freshness and a slight crunch.
• Sugar Snap Peas: Lightly steamed or stir-fried, their crisp sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the rich chicken.
• Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, they add a pop of color and a lovely caramelized flavor.
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food side, its rich, cheesy goodness is always a crowd-pleaser, especially with the juicy chicken.
• Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up any delicious pan drippings from the roast, creating an extra layer of flavor.
• Savory Rice Pilaf: A simple, aromatic rice dish that serves as an excellent base, absorbing the chicken’s juices and rosemary essence.

Each of these sides offers a unique experience, allowing you to tailor your meal to your mood or what ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re aiming for a lighter, healthier meal or a hearty, comforting feast, this lemon rosemary chicken easily adapts.

Recipe

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

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This beautiful roast chicken is not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for any dinner table. The aromatic seasoned butter rub ensures it browns beautifully to a crispy golden skin without drying out, locking in all the savory juices.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 223

Ingredients

  

• 1 large whole roaster chicken
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large lemon

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough for the chicken to start crisping immediately.
• Carefully clean the whole chicken, removing any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels. A dry surface is key to achieving crispy skin.
• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Generously rub this aromatic butter mixture all over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor and browning.
• Cut the lemon in half. Lightly squeeze the juice from one half over the top of the chicken. Place both lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. This will infuse the chicken with a wonderful citrus aroma and moisture from the inside out.
• Position the seasoned chicken on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour, basting the chicken with its pan juices 2-3 times during this period to keep it moist and encourage even browning. After 1 hour, loosely cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning of the skin, and continue to roast for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting 1-2 more times. The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature, measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone), reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Notes

Don’t let any of this delicious roast chicken go to waste! Use any leftover meat for restocking your freezer, ready to be transformed into quick and easy meals later in the week.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 223 calCarbohydrates: 2 gProtein: 18 gFat: 16 gSodium: 225 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 1 g

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