French Roast Chicken

The comfort and simplicity of a good roast chicken can’t be beat. A favorite dinner inspired by one of my favorite movies, It’s Complicated, includes roast chicken, sautéed string beans, and double fudge chocolate cake. A perfect meal for a cozy dinner party. I love making this on Sunday nights in the cooler months and enjoying with a glass of red wine. Bon appetite! 

Ingredients for French Roast Chicken

2 cups baby carrots

2 cups red potatoes, halved

2-3 leeks, rinsed, sliced in half both ways (2 large or 3 medium)

15 sprigs thyme, divided

2 lemons, 1 of them zested

2 cloves garlic, minced

1.5 teaspoons salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 whole chicken

1 head garlic, halved

3 tablespoons butter, cubed into half inch pieces

2 teaspoons herbs de Provence

2 tablespoons melted butter with 1 clove minced garlic mixed in

Directions for French Roast Chicken

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Add vegetables, 5 sprigs thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil to a roast pan. Stir so it is well mixed.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut each lemon into 4 round slices. Place one lemon inside the cavity of the chicken. Place the other pieces of lemon on top of the vegetables. Add the garlic halves and remaining thyme inside the cavity of the chicken.

At the cavity of the chicken, use your fingers to separate the skin from the meat. Slide a few pieces of butter under the skin of the chicken. Rub the remaining cubes of butter on the outside of the chicken. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence. Tie the legs of the chicken together with cooking twine.

Place the chicken on the vegetables. Roast for 1.5 hours, or until the thigh reaches 165 degrees. When it has cooked 45 minutes, baste with the melted garlic butter and continue to cook.

Once the chicken is done, place it on a cutting board and cover with foil so it can rest, 10-15 minutes. Turn the oven to warm setting. Cover the vegetables with foil and keep in the warm oven until ready to serve.

Serves 4-6