Roast chicken is the ultimate classic comfort food and apparently proposal meal! I mean, c’mon…How sweet it is that Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle while they were cooking roast chicken on a “cozy night” in Nottingham Cottage!
My version of everyday roast chicken is simple and a favourite with family and friends. I recently prepared this as a main course for 35 participants and fellow-leaders of our church Alpha program. (The Alpha program is an international, interactive, pressure-free program that explores Christian faith.) My roast chicken was a hit, which prompted this share.
The keys to this flavourful roast chicken recipe are three-fold:
• I use dark chicken meat of thighs and legs with skin and bone for the added flavour.
• The initial slow cooking process results in the most tender and juicy meat texture.
• The use of quality savoury and flavourful garlic and onion spices in the powdered form distribute flavour so well. (Garlic and onion powders are basically dried and pulverized whole garlic and onions. I use the Simply Organic powders.)
INGREDIENTS:
• Assorted chicken thighs (with skin and bone) and chicken legs. Enough to layer bottom of roaster. (I often double-layer because the leftovers are amazing.)
• Onion powder
• Garlic Power
• Pink Himalayan salt or sea salt
• Fresh ground black pepper
• Celery flakes
• Olive oil
1. Lightly brush inside of roaster with olive oil.
2. Roll the chicken pieces in the roaster oil and place chicken thighs evenly with skin on bottom and add the chicken legs in roaster.
3. Liberally sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and celery flakes over chicken. Turn chicken thighs with skin on top and rotate the legs and sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper and celery flakes on this side of chicken.
4. Cover and roast chicken at 325° for 2 to 3 hours depending on amount of chicken placed in roaster. (A single layer of chicken will take less time than a double layer of chicken.) You want the meat to be mouth-watering tender.
5. Place the chicken in the oven at this low temperature and go for a family walk to the park or run errands. You can finish preparing this dinner when you return to the amazing aroma of slow-roasting chicken. Easy peasy!
6. Remove the roaster lid and turn oven to broil setting to brown chicken. Watch carefully so as not to burn the chicken. Rotate the meat for even broiling. You want a medium roasted colour.
7. Serve with assorted chunks of root vegetables of turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots and small new potatoes. Cook the vegetables stovetop with fresh onion slices, garlic, salt and ground black pepper.
Bon Appétit!
