Description
A flavorful whole roasted chicken cooked in a Dutch oven with garlic herb butter, tender potatoes, and crispy bread. Juicy on the inside with perfectly crisp skin, this dish is a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bread (or a small loaf)
- 2 to 3 russet potatoes
- 2 bulbs garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 to 3.5 pound chicken
- 1 stick garlic butter (room temperature, 113 grams)
- 6 to 10 fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/2 lemon
- 5 to 6 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Chop the bread into chunks and cut the potatoes into pieces. Crush one bulb of garlic cloves. Toss the potatoes and garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a single layer of the potato mixture in the Dutch oven, placing the rest around the sides and leaving space in the center.
- Season the chicken with salt, then rub it evenly with garlic butter mixed with chopped basil. Gently loosen the skin and spread some butter underneath, especially over the breast.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the remaining garlic cloves and half a lemon.
- Place the chicken in the center of the Dutch oven and scatter thyme sprigs around it.
- Cover with the lid and cook on the lowest oven rack for 1 hour.
- Remove the lid and thyme, then roast for another 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Optional: Brush extra butter on the chicken and broil for 5 minutes for crispier skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute basil with parsley or rosemary for a different herb flavor.
- Add carrots or onions for extra roasted vegetables.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a fresh salad or gravy for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
