Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour 30 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
475 | 28g | 7g | 12g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
5g | 2g | 41g | 1.1g |
Y’all, let me introduce you to the scrumptious spectacle that is the ‘Roasted Chicken with Shallots’. As a passionate foodie from the South, I’ve had my fair share of roast chickens, but this particular vegetable-based recipe brings something unique to the table. Straight from my kitchen in Charleston, South Carolina, this dish is a perfect blend of two worlds: the deep-rooted Southern tradition and the modern approach to healthier, more conscious eating.
A Southern Twist to a Classic Roast
Meandering through this recipe takes me back to my childhood, nestled in the aromatic kitchen of my grandmother, watching her conjure up Sunday’s best, a hearty roast chicken. What makes this recipe slightly different, and dear to my heart, is the humble shallot. It might not be as glamorous as some other ingredients, but its subtly sweet flavor makes the world of difference in this roast recipe. Combined with the robust flavor of the rosemary, the zestiness of the lemons, and the tender, succulent chicken, it’s no wonder that this Roasted Chicken with Shallots has become a regular feature at my dinner table. Plus, nothing beats the wonderful aroma of shallots and lemons roasting and permeating every nook and cranny of the house.
Complementing the Coastal Flair
Being a Charleston girl, I can’t keep the coastal influence far from my cooking. The beloved seafood of my coastal hometown pairs perfectly with the Roasted Chicken with Shallots. You might serve this hearty chicken with a side of steamed clams or mussels, or perhaps a cool, crisp coleslaw tarted up with some fresh shrimp. And let’s not forget a tangy, homemade tartar sauce or some cocktail sauce to really make those coastal flavors pop. But if seafood isn’t your thing, this roast chicken is more than enough to woo your taste buds on its own, I promise.
The Health Factor
Let’s also talk about the healthy side of this recipe. Shallots, apart from being flavorful powerhouses, are also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Antioxidants help our bodies fight off free radicals, which are harmful substances that can cause cell damage. The garlic, apart from warding off vampires, comes with its own list of bioactive compounds and amazing health benefits. Add to that, the healthier, monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and you’ve got yourself a guilt-free feast which satisfies your cravings as well as nutritional needs. Read more about the health benefits of olive oil here.
This sumptuous dish, Roasted Chicken with Shallots, brings not just an orchestra of flavors, but it’s also a treasure trove of nutrients. Quite frankly, like all the recipes I share, it’s a labor of love; bringing people together and urging us to take a moment to appreciate something crafted with care. So next time you’re in the mood for a good roast, consider this recipe. It guarantees comfort, satisfaction, and a shower of compliments.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 5 pounds)
- 10 shallots, peeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 4 rosemary sprigs
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup white wine
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In the meantime, clean the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
Step Two
Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Then stuff the cavity with the quartered lemons, rosemary sprigs, and peeled garlic.
Step Three
Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Drizzle it with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and make sure it’s well coated.
Step Four
Place the peeled shallots around the chicken in the roasting pan and drizzle them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Season them lightly with some salt and pepper.
Step Five
Roast the chicken for approximately 1.5 hours. To ensure proper roasting, use a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C).
Step Six
About halfway through the cook time, pour the chicken stock and wine into the roasting pan.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is properly roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, carve it and serve with the roasted shallots and juice from the pan. Enjoy!