- 4 chicken breasts (bone-in, skin-on) or a whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered (for added flavor)
- 1 onion, quartered (optional, for the roasting pan)
- 2 carrots, chopped (optional, for the roasting pan)
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped (optional, for the roasting pan)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts or whole chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets from the cavity.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb mixture under the skin of the chicken breasts or all over the whole chicken, including the cavity.
- Add Lemon and Vegetables: If using a whole chicken, place the lemon quarters inside the cavity. Arrange the onion quarters, chopped carrots, and celery stalks in a roasting pan, creating a bed for the chicken to sit on. This will add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it cooks.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts skin-side up in the roasting pan, or set the whole chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Roast in the preheated oven. For chicken breasts, roast for about 35-40 minutes. For a whole chicken, roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Carve the chicken or serve the breasts whole, along with some of the roasted vegetables and a squeeze of roasted lemon for added zest.
This herb-roasted chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and can be easily adapted with different herbs or spices according to your taste. It’s a dish that could very well be a “Plate by Cindy Johnson,” embodying home-cooked comfort and simplicity. Enjoy your meal!