Em'S Roasted Chicken
A flavorful roasted chicken infused with a spice blend and filled with vegetables and citrus, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with warm, aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 lb young chicken ⓘ
- spice mixture (cinnamon, cloves, cayenne, thyme, marjoram, curry, rosemary, salt, pepper) ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 carrot, sliced ⓘ
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 white potato, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- slices of orange ⓘ
- slices of lemon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup white wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash and dry the chicken.
- Sprinkle the inside and outside of the chicken with the spice mixture.
- Stuff the chopped onion, diced celery, minced garlic, sliced carrot, sweet potato, and white potato into the chicken cavity.
- Place the chicken in a pot, add the remaining vegetables around it, and top with slices of orange and lemon.
- Pour the white wine over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover the pan and roast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spice mixture overnight. If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth or apple juice can be used as a substitute. For a twist, add some dried fruit like apricots or raisins to the stuffing for added sweetness. Adjust the spice levels based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the roasted chicken with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. The citrus slices add a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken recipes. Drizzle the pan juices over the chicken and vegetables to enhance the dish. Consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Em'S Roasted Chicken contains roughly 1646 calories, with 18g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (51% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1213mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of chicken, such as a Cornish hen or a larger roasting chicken. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as smaller birds will cook faster while larger ones may require additional time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I serve with the roasted chicken?
This dish pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a heartier option, try the chicken with a side of quinoa or couscous. These options will complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the spice mixture and stuff the chicken a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you are ready to roast it. Just ensure to bring it to room temperature before cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).