Ina Garten Roast Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)

Juicy roast chicken with aromatic herbs, garlic, lemon, and savory vegetables for a comforting meal.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Poultry

01 - 2.7 kg whole chicken

→ Herbs & Aromatics

02 - 1 large bunch fresh thyme
03 - 20 fresh thyme sprigs
04 - 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
05 - 1 lemon, halved

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 large yellow onion, cut into large chunks
07 - 4 whole carrots, cut into 10 cm pieces
08 - 1 bulb fennel, tops removed and cut into wedges

→ Fats & Oils

09 - 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids & Broth

12 - 160 ml chicken broth

→ Dry Ingredients

13 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Seasonings

14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) to prepare for roasting.
02 - Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper both inside and out.
03 - Insert the large bunch of thyme, halved garlic head, and lemon halves into the cavity of the chicken.
04 - Place the onion chunks, carrot pieces, and fennel wedges at the base of a roasting pan. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
05 - Lay the seasoned chicken on top of the prepared vegetables in the roasting pan.
06 - Brush the chicken skin thoroughly with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with 20 fresh thyme sprigs.
07 - Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per 450 g, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 74°C (165°F).
08 - Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving.
09 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the chicken.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before beginning preparation to guarantee even cooking.
02 - For extra crisp skin, thoroughly pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
03 - Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting is essential to retain its juices.