Best Sunday Roast Chicken Dinner with Roasted Garlic Gravy Recipe

Crafting the perfect roast chicken dinner with roasted garlic gravy can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas.

Crisp golden skin and tender meat promise a delightful meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Robust garlic infuses every bite with rich, complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken pairs beautifully with the deep, caramelized notes of roasted garlic gravy.

Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that celebrates comfort and wholesome cooking.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience.

Prepare to savor each delectable forkful of this irresistible roast chicken feast.

What Makes This Roast Chicken and Garlic Gravy Unbeatable

• Savor Family Comfort: A hearty roast chicken dinner that brings everyone together around the table with rich, aromatic flavors.
• Craft Complex Flavors: Elevate your cooking with a sophisticated recipe featuring multiple seasonings like thyme, fennel seeds, rosemary, and citrus that create depth and excitement in every bite.
• Master Versatile Cooking: Enjoy flexible preparation with options to serve immediately or create a make-ahead meal by pulling meat from the second chicken, perfect for busy households seeking delicious meal solutions.
• Impress with Restaurant-Quality Technique: Learn professional roasting methods that transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, using precise temperature control and strategic basting to achieve perfectly golden, juicy chicken.

Your Ingredient Guide to Roast Chicken Glory

• Whole Chicken: A classic protein that serves as the centerpiece of this roast dinner.
• Crushed Garlic Cloves: Adds robust flavor to the chicken cavity.

• Thyme, Rosemary, Fennel Seeds: Aromatic herbs that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that provide basic seasoning depth.

• Potatoes, Onions: Classic roasting vegetables that create a delicious base for the chicken.
• Garlic Bulbs: Roasted garlic provides a mellow, rich flavor to the dish.
• Lemon, Lime: Citrus fruits that add brightness and tenderize the chicken.
• Artichokes: A complementary vegetable that adds variety to the roasting pan.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide moisture, richness, and help with browning the chicken and vegetables.

• Kitchen String: Used to tie the chicken legs together for even cooking.

How to Roast Chicken with Savory Garlic Gravy

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Fire up your oven to a blazing 475°F, creating the perfect environment for a golden, crispy roasted chicken.

Step 2: Season Chicken Masterfully

Massage each chicken inside and out with fragrant thyme, salt, and pepper.

Lovingly coat the bird with softened butter, ensuring every inch gets delicious coverage.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetable Companions

• Potatoes
• Onions
• Whole garlic bulbs
• Rosemary leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Trim garlic bulb ends, expose cloves, and coat with olive oil.

Gently press rosemary leaves onto garlic and scatter vegetables around the pan.

Step 4: First Chicken Placement

Nestle first chicken into the prepared pan.

Sprinkle with fennel seeds, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bird. Tuck lemon and crushed garlic cloves inside the cavity.

Securely tie chicken legs with kitchen string.

Step 5: Initial Roasting Technique

Roast chicken at 475°F for 15 minutes to create a beautiful golden exterior.

Reduce temperature to 375°F and continue roasting 60-75 minutes. Baste occasionally to maintain moisture.

Step 6: Add Artichoke Finale

During the last 20-30 minutes, add artichokes to the roasting pan. Once cooking completes, remove chicken and let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Step 7: Second Chicken Variation

Repeat entire process with second chicken, substituting lime for lemon. Roast at 475°F for 15 minutes, then 375°F for 45 minutes.

After cooking, pull meat for a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Pro Moves for Juicy Chicken and Velvety Gravy

• Roasting Tips for Perfect Chicken Dinner
• – Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
• – Select fresh, high-quality chickens with firm, plump meat for best flavor and texture.
• – Baste chicken frequently to keep meat moist and create golden, crispy skin during roasting.
• – Let chicken rest after cooking to redistribute juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• – Experiment with herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, and fennel seeds for enhanced aromatic profiles.

Creative Ways to Switch Up Roast Chicken Dinner

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme with oregano, rosemary, and za'atar. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and fresh parsley. Serve with Greek-style roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Coat chickens with Cajun seasoning blend. Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. Include bell peppers and andouille sausage in the roasting pan.
• Asian-Inspired Chicken: Marinate chickens in soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. Sprinkle with Chinese five-spice powder. Roast with bok choy and green onions.
• Herb and Citrus Chicken: Use a blend of fresh herbs like sage, basil, and tarragon. Substitute oranges for lemons. Add orange zest to the butter rub for extra flavor.

Sides That Shine with Roasted Garlic Gravy Chicken

• Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the roasted chicken's rich, golden skin and creamy texture. The wine's subtle vanilla notes will harmonize perfectly with the roasted garlic and herb-infused meat.
• Rustic Sourdough Sidekick: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delectable roasted garlic gravy. Its tangy flavor and crisp exterior will provide a delightful contrast to the tender, succulent chicken.
• Mediterranean Herb Salad Pairing: Create a light, zesty salad with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and dill, dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This bright, herbaceous side will cut through the chicken's richness and refresh the palate between bites.

Keeping Roast Chicken and Gravy Fresh and Ready

• Refrigerate: Store leftover roast chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains moist by covering with plastic wrap or storing in sealed containers.
• Freeze: Carefully remove meat from bones, place in freezer-safe bags or containers. Chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months. Label bags with date and contents to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap chicken in aluminum foil with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Common Questions About Roast Chicken Dinner, Solved

• Why use two different citrus fruits for the chickens?

The recipe uses lemons and limes to add unique, bright flavors to each chicken. Different citrus provides subtle variation in taste and helps tenderize the meat while adding a zesty aroma during roasting.

• What's the purpose of cutting garlic bulb ends and rubbing with rosemary?

Cutting garlic bulb ends exposes the cloves, making them easier to roast and release their sweet, mellow flavor. Rubbing with rosemary adds an aromatic herb essence that infuses into the garlic and enhances the overall dish’s flavor profile.

• How does basting impact the roast chicken?

Basting helps keep the chicken moist by continuously spreading its own juices over the skin. This technique ensures the meat stays tender and develops a golden, crispy exterior during roasting.

Roast Chicken Dinner with Roasted Garlic Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 110-125 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent “roast chicken dinner with roasted garlic gravy” promises a comforting culinary journey through classic home cooking. Rich garlic-infused sauce and perfectly roasted chicken create a harmonious meal that delights senses and warms souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chickens (4 to 5 pounds each), washed and dried
• 12 small potatoes, halved
• 4 small onions, peeled and quartered
• 1 (10-ounce) box frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted, drained, and halved

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 6 sprigs rosemary, leaves finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds or fennel pollen
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Aromatics and Fats:

• 2 heads garlic, plus 4 cloves, separated
• 1 stick softened butter
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 limes, halved
• Extra-virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a scorching 475°F (245°C), preparing for a robust roasting session.
2. Meticulously season chickens internally and externally with aromatic thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently massage softened butter across the entire chicken surface.
3. Trim garlic bulb ends to expose tender cloves. Toss potatoes and onions in a roasting pan with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Coat garlic bulbs with olive oil, press into fragrant rosemary, and nestle alongside vegetables.
4. Position the first chicken in the pan, sprinkle with earthy fennel seeds, drench with fresh lemon juice. Stuff the cavity with the squeezed lemon and two crushed garlic cloves. Secure legs together using kitchen twine.
5. Roast at high heat for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting 60-75 minutes, periodically basting to ensure succulent meat.
6. Introduce artichokes to the pan during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking. Once completed, remove chicken and allow 10 minutes resting time before carving.
7. Prepare the second chicken identically, substituting limes for lemons. Roast 15 minutes at 475°F, then 45 minutes at 375°F. Shred meat for future meal preparation.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality, organic whole chicken for the best flavor and texture in your roast.
• Softening butter beforehand allows for easier and more even seasoning of the chicken’s skin.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting.
• For a gluten-free version, replace any flour-based thickeners in the gravy with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried to enhance the overall aromatic profile of the dish.
• Save the chicken carcass and vegetable scraps to make a homemade stock for future recipes.
• Adjust roasting time based on the specific weight of your chicken to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90-105 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg