Engagement Chicken

Prepare to win hearts with the legendary Engagement Chicken—a recipe as timeless as it is captivating. This golden-roasted whole chicken is infused with the bright tang of fresh lemons, the aromatic warmth of garlic and thyme, and a rich basting of olive oil and butter to create a meal that’s irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Perfectly trussed for even cooking and served with a simple, savory pan sauce, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also an emblem of love and care. With minimal prep time, a handful of pantry staples, and an elegant presentation, this is the ultimate roast chicken recipe to impress at any dinner table. Whether it’s for a romantic evening or a cozy family gathering, Engagement Chicken lives up to its name, making it the perfect centerpiece to spark connection and conversation.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 pound bird Whole chicken
• 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 whole Lemons
• 1 head Garlic
• 6 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, then pat it completely dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if included.

Step 3

Generously season the inside of the chicken cavity with half the kosher salt and half the black pepper.

Step 4

Slice one of the lemons in half and place both halves into the chicken cavity along with the garlic head (sliced in half horizontally) and the fresh thyme sprigs.

Step 5

Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the bird to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

Rub the entire surface of the chicken with olive oil and the softened unsalted butter. Season the outside with the remaining salt and pepper.

Step 7

Cut the second lemon into quarters and scatter them around the bottom of a large roasting pan along with any remaining garlic and thyme.

Step 8

Place a roasting rack inside the pan and carefully set the chicken breast-side up on the rack.

Step 9

Roast the chicken for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for approximately 70-80 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (the thigh) registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 10

If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 11

While the chicken roasts, baste it every 20 minutes with the juices that accumulate in the pan to ensure a flavorful and moist bird.

Step 12

Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Step 13

While the chicken rests, pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer the liquid over medium heat to create a simple pan sauce if desired.

Step 14

Carve the chicken and serve with the pan sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2340.8 grams (2340.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1027

Total Fat 81.50g	104%
Saturated Fat 24.80g	124%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 198mg	66%
Sodium 2499mg	109%
Total Carbohydrate 38.80g	14%
Dietary Fiber 6.80g	24%
Total Sugars 4.40g
Protein 45.40g	91%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 269mg	21%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 1178mg	25%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.5%

Protein: 17.0%

Carbs: 14.5%