Juicy Roasted Chicken

Juicy Roasted Chicken is a classic dish that never fails to impress, but have you ever tried making upside down chicken? By flipping the bird and roasting it breast-side down, you can achieve incredibly juicy and flavorful meat. A mouthwatering, juicy roast chicken that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Tender - roasting the chicken upside down, the juices from the dark meat seep into the breast, resulting in a moist and tender bird.
2. Enhanced Flavor - the lemon slices, garlic, and rosemary add a burst of aromatic flavors that permeate the meat, elevating the taste to new heights.
3. Simple Preparation - with minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping roast chicken that will impress your family and guests.
4. Versatile - a fantastic centerpiece for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• Whole Chicken (4-5 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 Lemon, sliced
• 5 Cloves of Garlic, smashed
• 2 Sprigs of fresh Rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of Olive Oil
• ½ Onion, quartered
• 1 cup of Chicken Broth

How to Cook Juicy Roasted Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Calculate Time - multiply the weight of the chicken in pounds by 20 minutes. (or 45 minutes per kilogram). For example, a 5-pound chicken would take approximately 100 minutes (5 pounds x 20 minutes = 100 minutes).
3. Season - the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out, and rub olive oil over chicken.
4. Stuff the Cavity - place the lemon slices, smashed garlic, and rosemary sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
5. Prepare Pan - carefully place the chicken, breast-side down, on a roasting pan with a wire rack. Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan, allowing it to surround the chicken.
6. Roast - place in oven for approx. 30 minutes until it crisps up and is lightly golden. Cover with foil and continue to roast for remaining cooking period, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste - remove and baste the chicken at least twice, if possible. Remove foil for last 10 minutes of cooking to crisp skin to a golden brown.
8. Rest - once cooked, remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
9. Serve - enjoy the juicy upside-down roast chicken with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.

Roast Chicken Variations

1. Add Citrus - replace the lemon slices with orange or lime slices for a citrusy twist.
2. Herb Infusion - experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or tarragon to add depth and variation to the taste.
3. Spicy Kick - sprinkle some paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper on the chicken for a spicy twist.
4. Middle Eastern Spices - season with cumin, paprika and turmeric to enjoy flavors from the Levant.
5. Stuffing Options - consider stuffing the chicken cavity with other aromatics, such as onions, apples, or fresh herbs, to further enhance the flavor.

What to Serve with Roasted Chicken?

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Garlic Butter Green Beans
• Air Fryer Garlic Asparagus
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
• Crispy Moroccan Potatoes
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Truffle Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Recipe Tips and FAQs

1. Always use a Thermometer - check meat with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
2. Don't Skip the Resting - letting the chicken rest after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
3. Personalize - adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Add herbs, spices, or a splash of your favorite sauce to customize the flavors.
4. Pan Juice Gravy - use the pan juices as a delicious gravy by straining and reducing them on the stovetop, or thickening with starch.
5. Microwave the Lemon - by microwaving the lemon before you insert in the cavity, you ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature and activate the lemon oils for cooking.

Can I Use a Different Cut of Chicken?

While this recipe is specifically designed for a whole chicken, you can adapt it to bone-in chicken pieces. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?

It is best to roast the chicken immediately after seasoning for optimal flavor and texture. However, you can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bring it to room temperature before roasting.

How Do I Ensure Crispy Skin?

While this upside-down roast chicken recipe focuses on achieving juicy meat, you can achieve crispier skin by briefly broiling the chicken for a few minutes after roasting.

What's the Secret to Juicy Roast Chicken?

Make sure you place the chicken breast facing down on the roasting pan. That's right, an upside down roast chicken! This ensures the chicken remains juicy and full of flavor, as the juices flows down to the breast while it cooks.

Dinner Recipes You'll Love

• Grilled Tomahawk Steak
• Smoked Whole Chicken
• Thai Beef Rissoles (Patties)
• Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb
• Beer Battered Fish
• Grilled Snapper with Mango Salsa

With its juicy and tender meat, the upside-down roast chicken is a delightful twist on the classic roast chicken recipe. Give this recipe a try and watch your family and friends savor each succulent bite of this delectable chicken dinner. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted October 2015, updated May 2023