There are many reasons you should roast a whole chicken for dinner.
Even if it’s just dinner for two, a whole bird will do you right. First of all, it looks beautiful, and while I know plating a gorgeous dinner may not be on the top of your weeknight goal list, it does make you feel like an accomplished cook.
Secondly, you can eat whatever cut of meat you want—I recommend you choose the thighs and wings for dinner and save the chicken breasts for lunch leftovers the next day, but everyone is entitled to their own favorite piece.
Third, you can make additional meals out of the bird, like pâté and chicken broth, which means nothing goes to waste.
And last but not least, carving a whole chicken is great practice for when you host Thanksgiving dinner and need to get serious with a turkey that serves 20. Even if you know this isn’t in your immediate future, this is a resume building skill that will make you a stronger candidate for upcoming holiday hosting duties.
This particular chicken is smothered in honey and chipotle before being roasted in the oven. The simple glaze gets the chicken skin spicy and crisp while keeping the meat juicy and delicious.
Simple to put together, beautiful on the table, and makes for excellent leftovers. And that’s why you should roast a whole chicken.
- 5 pound whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1½ tablespoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon honey
- 1½ teaspoon ground chipotle
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Preheat to 400F.
- Wash chicken and pat dry.
- In small bowl, combine thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, chipotle, and lemon juice. Rub chicken all around with glaze. Roast for 30-45 minutes until skin browns.
- Reduce heat to 350F and roast for 1½ to 2 hours, checking occasionally and baste with juices. Chicken is done when a meat thermometer registers 180F at the chicken's thickest part.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
YUM!!! This looks so awesome! I love roasting whole chicken! Something about a whole roasted chicken makes me fee…complete.
writes Girl and the KitchenMy sentiment exactly.
writes Vicky