🍯 Honey Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
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1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
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3 tbsp honey
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3 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
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1 tsp dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 lemon, halved
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1 onion, quartered (optional, for roasting)
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Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
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Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
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Place the chicken in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Make the Honey Glaze:
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In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Chicken:
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Rub the honey glaze all over the chicken, making sure to coat the outside, inside the cavity, and under the skin where possible (gently loosen the skin with your fingers).
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Place the halved lemon and onion quarters inside the chicken’s cavity. This adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist as it roasts.
5. Roast the Chicken:
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Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (avoid touching the bone).
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If the skin starts to get too dark before the chicken is fully cooked, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
6. Let It Rest:
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute.
7. Serve:
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Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides—roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
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Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with the roasted lemon halves for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Optional Sides:
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Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roast wonderfully alongside the chicken.
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Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice dish with herbs and nuts to complement the sweetness of the honey glaze.
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Garlic Bread: A crusty, buttery side to soak up the flavorful juices.
This Honey Roasted Chicken is sweet, savory, and a perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner. Let me know if you’d like variations or a particular twist on the recipe!