Engagement Chicken
Prepare to win hearts with the legendary Engagement Chicken—a recipe as timeless as it is captivating. This golden-roasted whole chicken is infused with the bright tang of fresh lemons, the aromatic warmth of garlic and thyme, and a rich basting of olive oil and butter to create a meal that’s irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Perfectly trussed for even cooking and served with a simple, savory pan sauce, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an emblem of love and care. With minimal prep time, a handful of pantry staples, and an elegant presentation, this is the ultimate roast chicken recipe to impress at any dinner table. Whether it’s for a romantic evening or a cozy family gathering, Engagement Chicken lives up to its name, making it the perfect centerpiece to spark connection and conversation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 4-5 pound bird Whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 whole Lemons
- 1 head Garlic
- 6 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, then pat it completely dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if included.
Generously season the inside of the chicken cavity with half the kosher salt and half the black pepper.
Slice one of the lemons in half and place both halves into the chicken cavity along with the garlic head (sliced in half horizontally) and the fresh thyme sprigs.
Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the bird to ensure even cooking.
Rub the entire surface of the chicken with olive oil and the softened unsalted butter. Season the outside with the remaining salt and pepper.
Cut the second lemon into quarters and scatter them around the bottom of a large roasting pan along with any remaining garlic and thyme.
Place a roasting rack inside the pan and carefully set the chicken breast-side up on the rack.
Roast the chicken for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for approximately 70-80 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (the thigh) registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
While the chicken roasts, baste it every 20 minutes with the juices that accumulate in the pan to ensure a flavorful and moist bird.
Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
While the chicken rests, pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer the liquid over medium heat to create a simple pan sauce if desired.
Carve the chicken and serve with the pan sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1390 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.2 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.6 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 464 mg | 155% | |
| Sodium | 1004 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.3 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 140.1 g | 280% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 117 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1293 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
