Delight your taste buds with this savory and tender roasted chicken, infused with flavorful butter and a tangy sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 2 kilograms)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 200 grams unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 12 garlic cloves, peeled
For the Sauce:
- 30 milliliters soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard (Dijon or whole grain)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 30 milliliters white vinegar
Equipment Needed:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Roasting pan or baking dish
- Basting brush or spoon
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Begin by preparing the chicken for roasting:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the whole chicken on a clean cutting board. Pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the chicken generously with a pinch of salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin of the chicken without tearing it. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and insert them under the skin, distributing evenly over the breast and thigh areas. This technique, known as “buttering under the skin,” helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor during roasting.
- Place 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and the peeled garlic cloves inside the cavity of the chicken. This adds additional moisture and infuses the meat with garlic flavor as it roasts.
2. Making the Sauce:
Prepare the flavorful sauce to enhance the chicken’s taste:
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, honey, sweet paprika, and white vinegar. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. This sauce will provide a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to complement the roasted chicken.
3. Roasting the Chicken:
Roast the prepared chicken to perfection:
- Place the seasoned and buttered chicken in a roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Pour or brush the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring it coats both sides evenly. Use a basting brush or spoon to distribute the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This step helps trap moisture and ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
- Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 40 minutes.
4. Serving the Roasted Chicken:
Serve the succulent roasted chicken with flair:
- After 40 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the aluminum foil from the roasting pan. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes on a cutting board before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
- To serve, carve the roasted chicken into slices or pieces as desired. Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success:
- Buttering Under the Skin: Inserting butter under the chicken skin ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful during roasting.
- Sauce Application: Basting the chicken with the sauce before and during roasting enhances its flavor profile and creates a delicious glaze.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting ensures juicier and more flavorful meat.
This restaurant-style roasted chicken recipe offers a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken at home. The combination of butter-infused meat and a tangy sauce makes it a versatile dish suitable for family meals or special occasions.
Call to Action: Ready to elevate your dinner with this savory roasted chicken recipe? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the delicious flavors of homemade restaurant-style chicken. Your family and guests will appreciate this delectable dish!
Enjoy preparing and savoring this flavorful roasted chicken with its rich buttery goodness and tangy sauce. It’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!