If you are looking for something a little different to your traditional Oven Roasted Chicken dinner, but just as delicious, then this is it!
Growing up we had a roast dinner pretty much every Sunday night. These dinners are among some of my fondest childhood memories. My Grandad and favourite uncle would come around, the whole family would sit at the table and eat, laugh and tell jokes. There was always something sweet and delicious for dessert afterwards which we were allowed to eat whilst watching some nature documentary together.
I have been a bit homesick lately, and as a result, have been craving a roast dinner. I can’t bring myself to make one like my mum used to, as I know it just won’t taste the same. There are some things only your mum can do 🙂
Plus I’m not a big meat fan anymore…So I bought a beautiful pasture raised chicken and we had a lovely Oven Roasted Chicken dinner to satisfy my cravings.
I am a big fan of one-pot dinners (mainly because I hate dishes), and this meal worked perfectly in the cast iron pot in the oven. I added some lemongrass and ginger to give the broth some immunity boosting powers and it gave the dish an amazing level of depth and complexity.
My littlest had an absolute ball sucking on the drumstick like a true cave-baby – great first food 🙂
Look at how moist that Oven Roasted Chicken is! Perfection
Tip: If you are going to go to the expense of buying a pasture raised chicken then make sure you get the most out of it. Always keep the leftover bones and throw them into the crock pot with some water, herbs and spices after dinner so you can make your own homemade stock. I usually fill the water level up to maximum and set on low for 10 hours. It makes delicious stock which can be used for soups, risottos and anything else you would normally use stock in.
- 4 lb Chicken look for pasture raised and organic
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 lemongrass stalks
- 6 coins of fresh ginger bruised
- 9 cloves unpeeled garlic
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 cups sliced root vegetables - I used carrots parsnips and a couple of waxy potatoes
- Roughly chopped coriander to serve
- Cooked wild rice to serve
-
Optional first step: Rub the bird inside and out with salt, place on a plate, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
-
Preheat the oven to 350 farenheit
-
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place in a snug fitting oven-proof dish with a lid (I used cast iron)
-
Trim the ends from the lemongrass, remove the outer leaves, slice in half lengthwise and then crosswise and pound with the handle of a knife (or a pestle if you have one)
-
Place a few pieces of the lemongrass, ginger and garlic in the cavity of the chicken and then arrange the rest around the outside of the bird
-
Pour over the wine and dot the butter on the skin of the chicken. Add freshly ground pepper
-
Place a large sheet of aluminium foil over the bird and press down until it is just touching. Pop on the lid
-
Put the pot in the oven and bake for 50 minutes
-
After 50 minutes remove the lid and the foil and spread the vegetables around the chicken
-
Replace the foil and lid and continue baking for another 30 minutes
-
Remove the chicken from the oven and check for doneness (see notes), let rest for 5 minutes before serving
-
To serve: place the chicken and vegetables on a large platter and cover with the foil to keep warm. Discard the garlic, lemongrass and ginger and place the broth in a glass dish (defat if desired - see notes). Add salt and pepper to taste. Carve and shred the chicken. Place a generous serving of chicken, rice and vegetables in a bowl; spoon the broth over the top, and sprinkle with coriander.
To check for doneness: insert an instant read thermometer between the thigh and body - it should read 170 F. Or prick the thick part of a thigh and check to see whether the juices run clear (this is not as accurate).
To defat the broth: allow the broth to cool slightly in the glass jar and skim the fat from the juices.
My husband and I were down with the flu a few weeks back and I wish I had seen your recipe then. It looks like just the remedy for a cold.
Oh it is Richa, it is so comforting! I hope you guys are feeling better now, both of you being sick must have been horrible!
This is the perfect meal for the winter! Chicken broth is so nutritional! Love this!
I agree, chicken broth works wonders Neli 🙂
what a cozy dinner recipe. Can’t wait to cook it and gather the family… and watch a nature documentary 😉
Haha thanks Claudia 🙂 Still love those nature documentaries!!
I recently roasted a gorgeous organic, range hen. I completely agree every bit should be used! Your recipe looks delicious! I particularly like the immune boosting additions. What a great idea!
Definitely Diane! The homemade stock that comes from the bones is nothing short of amazing!! I kick myself every time I run out and have to use the store bought variety.
This time of year we could sure use a little immunity boost. This is a delicious way to get it. Yum!
Thanks Florentina 🙂
Donna, this looks so beautiful and delicious! I love hearing about your Sunday suppers growing up. That’s something I’m trying to make a tradition in our house.
Oh thanks for your lovely words Jessica 🙂 I am trying to make it a tradition with my own family now as well, it’s hard though, as I tend to just want to relax come Sunday! It’s a little bit easier in the winter when we hang around home anyway, and I can keep an eye on the roast.
this looks perfect for mid winter. And the flavours in the stock must be so comforting with the roasted chicken. Lovely idea. Thanks for sharing
Oh thank you so much Nazima 🙂
I’ve got a kiddo that could use this recipe right about now. Home cooked chicken broth is a great way to stay healthy and also helps when not feeding great. Pinning this recipe.
Oh it’s a terrible time of year for kids getting sick hey! Both mine have just gotten over another round of sniffly noses/coughs, I have made this twice in the last month for them, and it is so comforting! They drink the broth out of a cup, and just dip their chicken in there 🙂
I always marvel at how a good home cooked meal can relive even the most sever cases of being homesick. This roast chicken dish looks just mouthwatering and healthy to boot. I love the idea of making your own stock, we do the same thing, frequently. Thanks for the wonderful post!
Oh I know right! My quick and easy homesick relief is always a cup of tea (I don’t think I have ever seen my mum without a cup of tea in her hand, so it always gives me that fix 🙂 ) Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe for a natural immunity boost. I need this as I work in the hospital during the winter months! Pinning!
You are so welcome Sharee! My husband works in the hospital as well, the winter months are so horrible in that industry! Stay healthy 🙂