Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

Elevate your Easter celebration with a show-stopping centerpiece that embodies culinary splendor—Stuffed Roast Chicken infused with a medley of herbs, lemon, and garlic. This exquisite main dish promises not only a visual feast but also a symphony of flavors that will leave your guests in awe. Roasting a whole chicken with aromatic stuffing creates a dish that is both flavorful and juicy, making it the perfect centerpiece for a festive Easter gathering.

For our Easter 2024 Master List of Recipes, click here

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Herb, Lemon, and Garlic Mixture: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful herb mixture.
3. Season and Stuff the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt and black pepper. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices and quartered onion.
4. Herb Infusion: Gently lift the skin of the chicken and rub the herb mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat. This allows the herbs and garlic to infuse the chicken with flavor during the roasting process.
5. Tie the Legs: If your chicken comes with a pop-up timer, tuck the wings behind the chicken and tie the legs together using kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
6. Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan. Arrange the carrots and celery chunks around the chicken. The vegetables will act as a flavorful base for the chicken and contribute to the overall cooking juices.
7. Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes to ensure it stays moist.
8. Rest Before Carving: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and succulent chicken.
9. Make Gravy (Optional): While the chicken is resting, you can make a simple gravy using the pan drippings. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and simmer until slightly thickened. Strain the gravy and serve alongside the roast chicken.
10. Carve and Serve: Carve the Stuffed Roast Chicken into slices, arranging them on a serving platter with the roasted vegetables. The aromatic blend of herbs, lemon, and garlic will entice your guests with each flavorful bite.

Variations and Tips:

• Citrus Variation: Experiment with different citrus fruits, such as oranges or limes, for a citrus-infused roast chicken with a unique twist.
• Additional Herbs: Customize the herb mixture by adding other favorites like sage, tarragon, or oregano to suit your taste preferences.
• Butter Basting: Enhance the richness of the chicken by basting it with melted butter during the roasting process.
• Vegetable Medley: Expand the vegetable medley by including additional choices like potatoes, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a complete one-pan meal.

Stuffed Roast Chicken with herbs, lemon, and garlic is a culinary masterpiece that transforms your Easter celebration into a gourmet experience. The aromatic infusion of herbs and citrus, combined with the succulent juiciness of the chicken, creates a dish that is both impressive and comforting. As you present this beautifully roasted centerpiece to your guests, savor the joy of sharing a meal that captures the essence of Easter—a time of abundance, togetherness, and the simple pleasures of exquisite food.