Aromatic Oven-Roasted Chicken with Thyme and Basil

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1.5 kg whole chicken
• 1 lemon
• 1 onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup water

For the garnish:

• 1 kg potatoes (or more, as desired)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

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1. Preparing the Chicken
Washing and prepping the lemon and onion:

• Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water.
• Wash the lemon and pierce it randomly with a skewer or fork to release juice during roasting.
• Peel the onion and cut it in half.

Assembling the chicken:

• Peel the garlic cloves.
• Rub the interior of the chicken with sea salt for a more intense taste.
• Stuff the cavity with half the onion, the whole pierced lemon, the other half of the onion, and the garlic cloves.

Trussing the chicken:

• Tie the chicken’s legs with kitchen twine to keep it compact for even roasting.

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2. Seasoning and Roasting the Chicken
Making the spice blend:

• In a small bowl, combine sweet paprika, dried basil, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper.

Seasoning:

• Place the chicken in a suitable roasting pan.
• Drizzle with olive oil, then rub the spice blend all over the chicken.

Roasting:

• Pour ½ cup of water into the pan and cover the chicken with aluminum foil.
• Roast in a preheated oven at 190 °C for 1 hour.
• Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 30 minutes, until the skin turns golden and crispy.

Basting:

• During the final roast, baste the chicken occasionally with pan juices to prevent drying and to develop a rich crust.

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3. Preparing the Crispy Potato Garnish
Boiling:

• Peel, wash, and cut the potatoes into thick slices.
• Parboil in salted water for 7 minutes until they begin to soften.

Seasoning:

• Drain and allow to cool and dry completely.
• Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, sea salt, and sweet paprika until evenly coated.

Roasting:

• Arrange the potatoes on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
• Roast at 200 °C until they are golden and crunchy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

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4. Serving

• Serve the aromatic roasted chicken alongside the crispy potato garnish.
• Add a fresh vegetable salad drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt for a perfect accompaniment.

Suggestions:

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75 °C.
• Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or basil for an extra decorative touch and a boost of aroma.

Enjoy your meal!

How is the chicken prepared for roasting?
The chicken is thoroughly rinsed and any remnants are removed. The interior cavity is rubbed with sea salt to intensify the flavors, then stuffed with a whole lemon, halved onion, and garlic cloves. This step imbues the meat with a subtle citrus and aromatic note during roasting.

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Why is it important to truss the chicken’s legs before roasting?
Trussing the chicken’s legs with kitchen twine ensures a compact shape, which promotes even cooking. This technique helps the meat stay juicy, while the skin develops a beautifully crispy crust.

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What role do the spices play in this recipe?
Sweet paprika provides an appetizing color and mild warmth, while dried thyme and dried basil contribute complex herbal aromas. Seasoned with sea salt and freshly ground pepper, these spices balance sweetness and intensity for a well-rounded taste.

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How do we prevent the chicken from drying out during roasting?
During cooking, the chicken is initially covered with aluminum foil to retain moisture. In the final browning stage, baste the bird regularly with the pan juices to maintain its succulence and encourage the formation of a golden, crunchy skin.

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How is the potato garnish prepared to be crispy and flavorful?
The potatoes are parboiled to jump-start cooking, then tossed with olive oil, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and sweet paprika. Roasting at 200 °C delivers a crispy exterior and a tender interior, ensuring every bite has the perfect textural contrast.

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What other side dishes pair well with this preparation?
In addition to potatoes, this aromatic chicken works beautifully with vegetable rice, celeriac purée, grilled vegetables, or fresh crudité salads, all of which complement the flavors and add freshness to the meal.

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Why are lemon and onion used inside the chicken cavity?
The lemon releases its juice as it roasts, lending a delicate citrus tang, while the onion imparts natural sweetness. Together, they enhance the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.

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How can we verify that the chicken is fully cooked?
A meat thermometer is the most accurate tool: the internal temperature should reach 75 °C. Alternatively, piercing the thickest part of the thigh should release clear juices with no trace of blood.

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How can you add a personal touch to the recipe?
Tuck fresh sprigs of rosemary or sage into the cavity for extra herbal depth. For the potatoes, sprinkle poppy seeds or a dusting of Parmesan to introduce a unique flavor twist.

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How do you complete this dish with a complementary salad?
A fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onion, drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, is perfect. Alternatively, an arugula salad with Parmesan shavings and a lemon vinaigrette offers a delightful contrast to the chicken’s rich flavors.