| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins – 2 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 494 | 28g | 7g | 36g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 6g | 39g | 1g |
I’ve always been a proponent of farm-to-table goodness that originates from the heartland’s rich soil. An embodiment of such philosophy is this scrumptious, homely dish named Yarrow and Garlic Roasted Chicken. The recipe brims with fragrance and freshness, a tribute to the unpretentious cooking style intrinsic to my Nebraskan origins.
The Comfort of Cooking a Roast
Growing up amidst the bountiful farmlands of Nebraska, I learnt early on that not much can rival the conviviality and warmth of cooking a roast. It’s relatively akin to the premise of creating pleasant moments around the dinner table, something deeply ingrained within my church community and large family aspirations. Much like its homey cousins, the Pot Roast or the Cornish Hen, the Yarrow and Garlic Roasted Chicken personifies communal feasts and comfort food.
This recipe is sure to be a hit when served alongside trusty classics like a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes or a fresh, crunchy salad. It’s versatility further exemplified by its seamless pairing with either a glass of hearty red or a crisp white wine, bridging the gap between simplicity and nuanced gustatory delight.
Healthy Feast with Aromatic Herbs
The Yarrow and Garlic Roasted Chicken is a feast not just for the senses, but also a treasury of health benefits. Chicken, as we all know, is an excellent source of lean protein – absolutely essential for muscle-building. Garlic, besides enhancing the flavor, comes with its own host of health benefits like reducing blood pressure and combating colds.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the incorporation of yarrow – a herb better known for its medicinal uses rather than its culinary. Besides adding a fragrant note to the dish, yarrow is said to aid digestion and stimulate appetite. So along with the punch from rosemary and thyme, and the freshness the lemon imparts, the undercurrent of yarrow subtly elevates the dish to a wholesome gourmet experience. You can learn more about the health benefits of yarrows here.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting your church group, remember that nothing quite screams ‘home’ or ‘community’ more than the Yarrow and Garlic Roasted Chicken. Just trust me on this one.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Whole Chicken (Approximately 4-5 pounds)
- 4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp of Fresh Yarrow, chopped
- 1 Tbsp of Fresh Thyme, chopped
- 1 Tbsp of Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 Lemon, halved
- 2 Yellow Onions, quartered
- 3 Tbsp of Olive Oil
- 1 Tsp of Salt
- 1 Tsp of Black Pepper
- 1 Cup of Chicken Broth
- 4 Large Carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 Large Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Step Two
Season the whole chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped yarrow, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the chicken and under the skin where possible.
Step Four
Squeeze the juice of one lemon half inside the chicken cavity, and place the squeezed half inside the cavity along with a half of a quartered onion.
Step Five
In a roasting pan, arrange the remaining onion quarters, carrots and potatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Place the prepared chicken on top.
Step Six
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the chicken from the oven and add chicken broth to the roasting pan.
Step Seven
Return the chicken to the oven and roast for another 30-40 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced with a knife.
Step Eight
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables and pan juices on the side.
