| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins – 1 hr 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 32g | 8g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 2g | 34g | 1.5g |
There’s something profoundly comforting about Jimbu Roasted Chicken that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Maybe it’s the aromatic bouquet of the Jimbu herb mingling with the subtle sweetness of dried fruits like apricots, figs, and raisins. This recipe offers a delightful departure from the seafood-centric dishes that I grew up with along the coast of Maine, yet it nevertheless carries an oceanic wave of nostalgia with every bite.
A Culinary Journey of Complex Flavors
The first time I prepared Jimbu Roasted Chicken, I was immediately struck by how the diverse ingredients harmonized so spectacularly. The minced garlic and lemon slices infuse the dish with a tangy zest, while the honey and olive oil create a golden, succulent roast. And then, there’s the magical touch of Jimbu herb—a unique addition that elevates the chicken with earthy, almost onion-like nuances. The result is a perfectly balanced dish, both savory and slightly sweet, reminiscent of festive family gatherings around the dinner table.
Health Benefits that Delight
Aside from its rich tapestry of flavors, Jimbu Roasted Chicken brims with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you full longer. The dried fruits not only add a natural sweetness but are also packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Apricots, figs, and raisins bring their own health-boosting profiles to the table, promoting everything from better digestion to improved skin health. The Jimbu herb, known for its antimicrobial properties, and the heart-healthy olive oil makes this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
Pair this roasted chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad, and you have a meal that’s as balanced in nutrition as it is in flavor. It’s also a fantastic centerpiece for festive dinners, much like a classic roast turkey or herb-crusted pork loin.
As a mother of two beautiful daughters, Erin and Samantha, incorporating such balanced meals into our daily lives is crucial. Dishes like Jimbu Roasted Chicken not only bring us together at the dinner table but also ensure we’re nurturing our bodies while indulging in something truly delectable.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Jimbu herb (dried)
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, figs, and raisins)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Step Two
In a small bowl, mix together the Jimbu herb, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and ground paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin as well.
Step Three
Drizzle the olive oil and honey over the top of the chicken. Arrange the lemon slices on and around the chicken.
Step Four
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the mixed dried fruits.
Step Five
Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan around the chicken.
Step Six
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
