| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 2 hrs | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 45g | 11g | 23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 54g | 0.8g |
If there’s one dish that distinctly warms my Nebraska heart, it’s the Juniper Berry Roasted Chicken. A recipe that binds tradition and innovation, embedding the powerful physics of Midwestern comfort into each savory bite. Marrying farm-to-table freshness with the symphony of flavors of the juniper berries, this chicken recipe promises to captivate your senses and nourish your body and soul. It all comes together in a rustic array of colors and aromas, akin to the heartland fields after a morning rain.
The Magic of Juniper Berries
Juniper berries. They might be small, but they hold within them a universe of flavors. This wonder-fruit, harvested from the evergreens of the high Northern hemisphere, imparts an earthy, slightly sweet, and tangy taste to the chicken. It’s not just the flavors, juniper berries are a powerhouse of health benefits too. They are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, contributing to overall wellbeing. It’s this blend of culinary craftsmanship and nutritional value that makes this recipe so unique, making it a wholesome meal for a large family dinner, just the kind I dream of.
The Harmony of Flavors
Now if you are wondering, what makes the Juniper Berry Roasted Chicken so special? I’d say, it’s the symphony of flavors. Crisp freshness from lemon and rosemary, a mellow sweetness from the roasted vegetables and an infusion of the juniper berries’ unique flavor, undeniably makes it a masterpiece.
It brings to mind the familiar warmth of roast chicken we used to have back at Nebraska, but with an added layer of sophistication. This dish would effortlessly complement a light tomato soup or a hearty cobb salad, for instance.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, healthful chicken fare that echoes the simplicity of Midwest cooking, remember the Juniper Berry Roasted Chicken. It’s got all the comfort, taste, and nutrition you could ask for.
What You’ll Need
- 1 large Chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons Juniper Berries
- 1 Lemon (for juice)
- 2 tablespoons Rosemary leaves (fresh)
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 2 large Carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 Celery sticks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound Baby Potatoes
- 1 cup Chicken stock
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
While waiting for the oven to heat, rinse your chicken inside and out and then pat dry using a paper towel.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine crushed juniper berries, the juice from the lemon, chopped rosemary leaves, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper and salt. Mix these ingredients well to create the marinade for your roast.
Step Three
Generously rub the marinade all over the chicken. Make sure to cover both the outside and inside. Place any remaining mixture inside the chicken cavity.
Step Four
Place the chopped onion, carrots, celery sticks, and baby potatoes in a large roasting pan. Put the marinated chicken on top of the vegetables.
Step Five
Roast the chicken and vegetables in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours. Halfway through, pour the chicken stock over the chicken and vegetables to keep them from drying out.
Step Six
After 1.5 hours, check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken thigh. If it hasn’t reached this temperature yet, continue roasting and check again every 10 minutes.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Serve hot.
