Marinated Family Roast Chicken | Recipe Hub 97

 Marinated Family Roast Chicken

A marinated family roast chicken is a wonderful meal that's flavorful, juicy, and perfect for gatherings. Here's a detailed recipe to prepare a delicious marinated roast chicken:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Fresh herbs for stuffing (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present.
   • Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated both inside and out.
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

4. Prepare the Chicken for Roasting:

   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
   • Place the lemon slices and fresh herbs inside the cavity of the chicken.
   • Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the body. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

5. Roast the Chicken:

   • Place the marinated chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching the bone.
   • Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

6. Rest the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
   • Tent the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy result.

7. Carve and Serve:

   • Carve the chicken into pieces and serve with the pan juices drizzled over the top.
   • Accompany the roast chicken with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• Marinating Time: For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
• Even Cooking: Use a roasting rack to elevate the chicken and ensure even cooking. If you don't have a rack, you can create a makeshift one using vegetables like carrots and celery to prop up the chicken.
• Basting: Basting the chicken with its own juices during roasting helps keep it moist and adds extra flavor.
• Checking Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without being overdone.

With this recipe, you'll have a beautifully marinated and roasted chicken that's sure to be a hit with your family!