Mccall'S Microwave Herb-Roasted Chicken
Juicy herb-roasted chicken paired with flavorful wild rice, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special gathering, featuring aromatic herbs and tender meat.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen white and wild rice ⓘ
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 6 lb. roasting chicken ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- With a knife, vent the rice packets.
- Microwave the rice on High for 5 minutes, just until thawed.
- In a medium bowl, toss the rice with the sliced celery, chopped onion, and chopped parsley.
- In a small glass bowl, microwave the butter on High for 20 seconds or just until softened.
- Stir lemon juice, dried tarragon, dried rosemary, and dried thyme into the butter; mix well.
- Rub the chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover.
- Microwave the chicken on High for 20 minutes per pound, or until fully cooked, turning occasionally.
- Serve the roasted chicken with the herb-infused rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. You can substitute the wild rice with brown rice if preferred. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can work in a pinch. Adjust the herbs to your taste; for instance, you could add sage or marjoram for a different flavor profile. This dish can be complemented with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the herb-roasted chicken alongside the herb-infused rice for a comforting meal. Pairing it with a light salad or steamed green beans can enhance the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Corn Soup With Crab for a complete dinner experience. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the chicken and rice for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mccall'S Microwave Herb-Roasted Chicken contains roughly 969 calories, with 109g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (641% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (402% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1428mg per serving (62% 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 rice?
Yes, you can substitute the wild rice with brown rice or even jasmine rice for a different texture and flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone for an accurate reading.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture and season the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the chicken just before serving. This method allows the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken moist during cooking.
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).