The Perfect Sunday Roast Chicken: A Cozy Family Dinner Tradition

There's something so comforting and cozy about a sharing a Sunday roast chicken dinner with your family. As the weekend comes to a close and the hustle of the week looms, I just love sharing a hearty special meal with my husband. It truly brings me joy and comfort to feel so taken care of by this dinner. The best part? You'll have leftovers to get you all the way to Wednesday!

Whole Roasted Chicken, Bacon Green Beans, & diced Roasted Radishes (Low Carb Potato Substitute, delish!)

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Makes One Whole Roast Chicken)

To make a delicious roast chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)

• 1 1/2 sticks of Softened Salted Butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 TB Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage (whatever you have on hand!)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 Whole Lemon (cut into Quarters)

• 1 Yellow Onion (diced into Quarters)

• 1 TB Granulated Garlic

• 4-5 garlic cloves, smashed

• 5 Carrots & Celery Stalks (If you have them!)

  
  

These ingredients will create a flavorful dish that your family will love, with the vegetables soaking up the juices from the chicken for added richness.

Preparing the Roast

1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry. This step is significant for achieving that coveted crispy skin everyone desires.

   
   

2. Make the Compound Butter: Mix together Softened Butter, 1 TB Granulated Garlic, Zest of 1 Lemon, 2 TB Dried Herbs, Salt & Pepper to taste

   
   

3. Rub the chicken all over the top and bottom with the Compound Butter and season it with salt and pepper. You want to add Compound Butter underneath the skin and on the outside skin

   
   

4. Insert the Quartered Lemons, half of the quartered Onion (save the other half for the bottom of the roasting pan), and smashed Garlic Cloves inside the cavity, along with a couple of sprigs of your chosen herbs, and 1 Carrot and 1 Celery diced. This infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor.

   
   

5. Add the Whole Chicken to a Roasting Pan or Cast Iron Dutch Oven

If you have Carrots & Celery: In a large roasting pan, or Cast Iron Dutch Oven spread out your chopped vegetables and onions around the Chicken. Drizzle them with olive oil and give them a light seasoning of salt and pepper. As the chicken roasts, the vegetables will absorb its delicious juices, turning them into a tasty side dish.

Roasting Time

1. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how large your chicken is. The key is to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). To ensure an even browning, baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.

After roasting, let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This will keep the meat juicy and tender, making every bite enjoyable.

Side Dishes to Consider

While your chicken is roasting, think about some sides that pair well with it. Some great options include:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Green Beans

• Roasted Baby Potatoes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

• Fresh garden salad

Your Sunday Feast Awaits

Now you have everything you need to create a cozy family meal. A perfectly seasoned roast chicken not only fills bellies but also creates lasting memories. Make your Sundays special and let your kitchen overflow with the warmth and joy that this meal can bring.

Enjoy the simple yet profound experience of making and sharing the perfect Sunday roast chicken dinner! Bon appétit!

Helloooo leftovers!