| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins – 2 hrs (depending on the size of the chicken) | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 487 | 30g | 7g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 40g | 0.85g |
I’ve always held a particular fondness for this dish, Roasted Chicken with Hoja Santa. It’s a dish that eloquently speaks of my culinary journey here in the bustling cityscape that is New York. Just like the Big Apple, this recipe is a delightful fusion – an homage to classic roasting techniques, infused with the unique flavor of Hoja Santa, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.
The Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Donning my apron on the backdrop of NYC’s skyline, this hearty recipe shares the roots of my kitchen philosophy. The classic roasted chicken, a dish so simple yet so iconic, carries the comforting aroma of a family Sunday dinner. The Hoja Santa, on the other hand, is a glorious testament to the city’s diversity – a nod to the rich tapestry of flavors that NYC boasts. To say that this dish is a symphony would be an understatement. The tartness of the apple, the earthy notes of rosemary and thyme, along with the subtle peppermint undertones of Hoja Santa, harmonize beautifully against the backdrop of a perfectly roasted chicken.
Health Benefits: More than Just Flavor
There’s more to our Roasted Chicken with Hoja Santa than just its remarkable flavor. This dish brings to your plate an impressive lineup of nutrition. A great source of lean protein, chicken is also packed with essential vitamins like B6 and B12. Add to that the antioxidant properties of rosemary, celery, and garlic, as well as thyme’s potential antimicrobial benefits, there’s a feast of health benefits in every bite. Not to mention, Hoja Santa has long been known to aid digestion – the perfect complement to a hearty meal. For more on its benefits, check out Healthline’s detailed article on this wondrous herb.
While perfect on its own, our Roasted Chicken with Hoja Santa could be a perfect companion to a bowl of herbed quinoa or perhaps a fresh citrus salad. It’s also a delightful take if you’re looking to switch things up from your usual roasted Thanksgiving turkey.
Whether you’re a budding home cook or a seasoned gourmet guru, give this Roasted Chicken with Hoja Santa a shot. It’s not just a dish, it’s a story – of my love for food, for diversity, and for the city that continues to inspire me.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-6 pounds)
- 6 fresh hoja santa leaves (alternative: 2 tablespoons dried hoja santa, ground)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 apple, cored and sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). While the oven is heating up, remove the giblets and rinse the chicken both inside and out. Pat to dry with paper towels.
Step Two
Rub the entire chicken, including the cavity, with olive oil. Then, season generously with salt and black pepper.
Step Three
If you’re using fresh hoja santa leaves, line the chicken’s cavity with them. If you’re using dried hoja santa, mix it with the olive oil before applying to the chicken.
Step Four
Stuff the chicken cavity with the quartered onion, 2-inch pieces of carrots, celery, garlic, apple, and lemon quarters. Also, add in sprigs of rosemary and thyme.
Step Five
Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Pour the chicken broth into the pan, around the chicken, not on it to avoid washing off the hoja santa, oil, salt, and pepper.
Step Six
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the juices run clear. To check the doneness, insert a knife between the leg and the body, the juices should run clear, if not, continue roasting.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring moist and juicy meat.
Step Eight
Carve the chicken and serve with vegetables and broth from the pan, if desired. Enjoy your Roasted Chicken with Hoja Santa!
