How to Make Paleo-Friendly Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken
In today’s health-conscious world, the Paleo diet has gained attention for its focus on eating foods that our ancestors would have hunted or gathered. For those on this journey, finding delicious and compliant recipes is essential. One standout dish that meets these criteria and will leave your taste buds craving more is the delicious Paleo-Friendly Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this aromatic and flavourful dish using simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, we need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano (chopped)
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- A few extra rosemary and thyme sprigs for stuffing
Instructions:
- Preparation:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the perfect temperature by the time your chicken is ready to go in.
- Prep the Chicken:
Take your whole chicken and give it a good rinse under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels, both inside and out. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible to achieve that delightful crispy skin.
- Season:
In a small bowl, mix the olive or coconut oil with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. This herby oil will serve as the flavorful ‘coat’ for your chicken.
- Apply the Herb Mixture:
With your herb and oil mixture ready, rub it all over the chicken. Make sure to get under the skin where possible and coat the inside cavity for maximum flavor infusion. Don’t be shy; get your hands messy to ensure every part of the bird is seasoned.
- Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Place the halved lemon, quartered onion, and a few extra sprigs of rosemary and thyme into the cavity. These ingredients will steam inside the chicken as it cooks, keeping it moist and adding a burst of flavor from the inside out.
- Ready to Roast:
Place your seasoned and stuffed chicken in a roasting pan. You may truss the legs together with kitchen twine to keep everything compact, but it’s not strictly necessary.
- Into the Oven:
Slide the roasting pan into your preheated oven and roast uninterrupted for about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear when you insert a knife into the thigh, or the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Rest Before Serving:
Once cooked, it’s tempting to dive straight in, but giving the chicken at least 10 minutes to rest before carving is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent and delicious.
- Enjoy:
With the chicken rested, carve it up and serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or any Paleo-friendly side of your choice.
Conclusion:
Creating a Paleo-friendly garlic and herb roasted chicken is an enjoyable and straightforward process that results in a delectably succulent meal. This recipe sidesteps processed foods and focuses on whole, natural ingredients that align with the Paleo philosophy. Whether you’re strictly following the Paleo diet or simply trying to incorporate more healthful meals into your week, this dish is a win-win for flavor and nutrition. Enjoy the aromas, savor the tastes, and most importantly, share the healthful goodness with family and friends. Happy cooking!
