Garlic and Thyme Roast Chicken : Great for Sunday Gatherings

Yes, I know as this recipe is posted it's Monday but if you should be planning ahead for a family gathering do please keep this recipe in mind!

We all know Roast Chicken is good, see here, but this Garlic and Thyme Roast Chicken makes a simple roast into a show-stopper! This low carb chicken recipe can make a nice change and of course chicken provides a high level of good quality protein, as well as B vitamins, iron, copper and selenium.

A buttery rub and fragrant stuffing is all you need to roast your chicken to crispy, succulent perfection. Tying the legs together gives a wonderful visual finish that also helps to retain moisture and flavour, ... doesn't it look good.

Ingredients
Serves 6-8
1 tbsp salted butter, softened
1.8kg whole chicken
30g fresh thyme (can often be bought in handy packs)
1 garlic bulb, halved lengthways
2 lemons, halved

Method

1. Preheat the oven to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C. Choose a roasting tin with a rack and line with foil (see tip below).
2. Rub the butter over the chicken. Sprinkle a few thyme leaves on top and put the remaining sprigs inside the cavity with the garlic and lemon. Tie the legs together with string (see tip below) and season.
3. Roast for 1 hour and 35 minutes, until no pink meat is showing. To check it's cooked through, pierce the thigh with a skewer - the juices should run clear. Remove and leave to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Save the carcass for stock.
4. Serve with vegetables of your choice

Tips
No roasting tin with a rack? Cook on thinly sliced onions or potatoes to crisp up the underside.

To help retain moisture and flavour, and to give a neat finish, tie the legs together, hold cotton kitchen string under the legs and tailbone, pull up and cross the ends over to bring the legs together. Wind around a few times and tie a knot.

To make the roast dairy-free, simply swap the butter for 1 tbsp olive oil.
From an original idea here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan