Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast with Jodie's Roasted Garlic Chicken Rice - a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma! This one-pan wonder combines tender, crispy-skinned chicken with garlic-infused rice that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 1 cup rice
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast and thighs, creating pockets. Peel and mince half of the garlic head, then gently massage the minced garlic under the skin, distributing it evenly.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then generously season both the exterior and interior with salt and pepper. Slice the remaining garlic head in half horizontally.
- Place the rice in the bottom of a large, oven-safe Dutch oven or roasting pan. Pour chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
- Position the whole chicken on top of the rice, breast-side up. Place the halved garlic head around the chicken in the pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This ensures moist and tender meat.
- Carefully transfer the chicken to a cutting board and carve. Serve the chicken over the garlic-infused rice, garnishing with fresh thyme leaves.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that will make your mouth water.
- Take your time when separating the chicken skin and massaging minced garlic underneath - this is the secret to deeply infused flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check the chicken's internal temperature. 165°F (74°C) is the magic number for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, which guarantees moist and tender meat in every bite.
- Choose a high-quality chicken broth or homemade stock to enhance the overall depth of flavor in your rice.
- Don't rush the roasting process - slow cooking allows the garlic to caramelize and infuse the entire dish with its rich, mellow flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
