Sunday Roast Chicken

Sunday’s are a great day to roast a whole chicken for a late lunch or early dinner. Chicken typically takes 30 minutes per pound to cook at 350 degrees in the oven. Start by prepping baking pan with a layer of onion slices that the chicken will be placed on top of, a few fresh basil leaves, and lemon slices.

I use a whole Murray’s Chicken, removing the liver and gizzards, then giving it a quick rinse.

Murray’s Chicken is Certified humanely raised chicken and does not contain hormones or antibiotics. Many Publix grocery stores now sell Murray’s!

Place chicken on top of onion slices, then rub olive oil all over chicken and under skin of chicken breasts. Take lemon slices and fresh basil and push under chicken breast skin. This will add a subtle flavor and help moisten chicken while it cooks. Stuff chicken with remaining lemon wedges and onion, you can also use a small whole apple.

Sprinkle chicken with sea salt and smoked paprika. You can use any spices you like. Paprika gives a nice golden color.

Pour 1/2 – 1 cup of water into pan. Enough to cover the bottom. This helps create more liquid for basting and there will be less sticking in the pan making for easier cleanup later!

Bake at 350 for 90 minutes to 2 hours (remember 30 minutes per pound, this bird was 3 lbs). You can check chicken halfway through and pour more water over chicken or use liquid in pan to pour over chicken for basting. This is a great method to ensure a moist chicken.

Check temperature of chicken, needs to be 165 degrees and also make sure juices run clear from chicken. If you see pink liquid coming out of chicken, it’s not done. Trust me on this one .

Let your bird rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. That way juices can redistribute and settle into meat. You can tent chicken with foil or just leave on counter to rest.

Serve roast chicken with brown rice and fresh leafy green & blueberry salad with homemade citrus dressing (check back soon for this recipe post!).

Sit, relax, and enjoy this wonderful meal with loved ones.

What is your favorite Sunday meal?