| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins – 2 hrs | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 430 | 28g | 5g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 40g | 0.9g |
I hold dearly to my heart the wonders of Roasted Chicken with Broccolini Flowers. This inviting dish brings together the vibrancy of vegetables with the comforting savoriness of roasted chicken, evoking memories of family gatherings back in Portland, Maine. It’s a delightful departure from the typical seafood-driven cuisine of my roots, though it still retains an echo of my culinary heritage — a splash of citrus reminiscent of the salty Atlantic air, an earthy aroma that calls to mind the rosy-colored lobster rolling with the tide.
Savor the Benefits
More than just a flavorful treat, Roasted Chicken with Broccolini Flowers carries with it a basket of health benefits. The star ingredient, broccolini, is a nutritional powerhouse, filled with essential vitamins A, C, and K as well as dietary fiber that enhances digestion. Coupled with the lean protein of chicken and the vitamin C packed into citrus fruits, this dish has become a go-to when I want to feed both my tastebuds and my well-being.
A Symphony of Flavors
What sets this recipe apart is how it marries a medley of different flavors. You might expect a symphony of comparable medleys from dishes like Roast Chicken with Harissa and Schmaltz or Orange Miso Roasted Chicken. Yet, this recipe takes it one step further with the carefully selected herb blend. The warm undertones of thyme and rosemary, together with the zest of orange and lemon, brighten the bold flavor of the chicken and create a refreshing twist that greets you at every bite.
Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply to treat yourself to a healthy, flavorful meal, this Roasted Chicken with Broccolini Flowers is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen–just as it has in mine. Its vivid colors brighten the table, while its heartwarming flavor reminds us of the love and care we put into creating nourishing, delightful meals for our loved ones and ourselves.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 bunches of broccolini
- 2 lemons
- 1 orange
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This will allow the olive oil and spices you apply later to stick and absorb better into the skin.
Step Two
Zest one lemon and the orange, then cut them and the remaining lemon into quarters. Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. Mix the citrus zest, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade for your chicken.
Step Three
Rub the marinade all over your chicken, making sure to cover every inch. After this, stuff the cavity with the quartered citrus. This will infuse the chicken with additional flavor as it cooks.
Step Four
Let the chicken rest for 20 minutes so that the flavors of the marinade can absorb into the meat. During this time, you can prepare the broccolini by trimming off the tougher ends.
Step Five
Toss the broccolini in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a roasting pan, creating a bed for the chicken to lay on. Place the marinated chicken on top of the broccolini, breast side up, and speed any remaining marinade over the broccolini.
Step Six
Roast the chicken and broccolini in the oven for around 1-1.5 hours. The exact time may vary based on the size of your chicken. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Seven
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps to lock in the juices resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken. Serve the chicken with the roasting broccolini and enjoy your roasted chicken with broccolini flowers!
