ADVERTISEMENT
Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
### Ingredients:
To make **Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron avec Pommes de Terre**, you’ll need the following ingredients:
#### For the Chicken:
– **1 whole chicken** (about 4 lbs), patted dry
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 lemon**, quartered
– **4 cloves garlic**, smashed
– **1 bunch fresh thyme**
– **1 bunch fresh rosemary**
– **1 bunch fresh parsley**
– **Salt and freshly ground black pepper** to taste
#### For the Potatoes:
– **4 medium potatoes**, peeled and cut into chunks
– **2 tablespoons olive oil**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme**
– **Salt and freshly ground black pepper** to taste
– **1 tablespoon butter**, optional (for extra richness)
### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This will ensure that the chicken and potatoes cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
1. **Season the Chicken**: Start by preparing the **whole chicken**. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin when roasting. Rub the chicken with **olive oil** and generously season with **salt** and **black pepper**. The olive oil will help crisp up the skin and enhance the flavor of the herbs.
2. **Stuff the Chicken**: Quarter the **lemon** and place the pieces inside the cavity of the chicken along with the **smashed garlic cloves** and **fresh herbs** (thyme, rosemary, and parsley). The lemon and herbs will infuse the chicken with a fresh, aromatic flavor as it roasts.
#### Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes
1. **Season the Potatoes**: In a large mixing bowl, toss the **cut potatoes** with **olive oil**, **dried thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**. If you want to add extra richness, you can also toss the potatoes with a little melted **butter**.
2. **Arrange the Potatoes**: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly around the chicken in a large roasting pan. The potatoes will roast alongside the chicken, absorbing the delicious juices from the bird and turning crispy and golden.
#### Step 4: Roast the Chicken and Potatoes
1. **Roast in the Oven**: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for **1 hour and 15 minutes** to **1 hour and 30 minutes**, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches **165°F (75°C)** when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be golden brown and crispy, and the potatoes should be tender and crisped on the edges.
2. **Baste the Chicken**: To ensure a juicy, flavorful chicken, baste the bird once or twice with the pan juices. This will also help the skin achieve that golden, crispy texture.
#### Step 5: Rest and Serve
1. **Rest the Chicken**: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **10 minutes** before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken.
2. **Serve**: Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the roasted potatoes. You can garnish the dish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness.
### Why This Recipe is a Winner
1. **Flavors That Pop**: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon infuses both the chicken and the potatoes with incredible flavor. The aroma of the herbs as they roast fills the entire kitchen, creating a mouthwatering experience.
2. **Perfectly Balanced**: This dish strikes the perfect balance between the juicy chicken and the crispy potatoes. The potatoes are roasted in the chicken’s juices, making them irresistibly flavorful and perfectly crispy on the outside while soft on the inside.
3. **Impressive Yet Simple**: While this recipe tastes like something you’d enjoy at a French bistro, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of roasting the chicken with the potatoes means there’s very little cleanup and minimal effort required.
4. **Healthy and Hearty**: Chicken and potatoes are both hearty and satisfying, making this meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Plus, the herbs and lemon add a fresh and healthy element, giving the dish a well-rounded flavor profile.
### Tips for the Perfect Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron:
1. **Use Fresh Herbs**: Fresh herbs are key to getting that vibrant, aromatic flavor. If you only have dried herbs on hand, that’s okay, but fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley make a huge difference.
2. **Crispy Skin**: If you want extra crispy chicken skin, try increasing the oven temperature to **425°F (220°C)** for the last 10 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
3. **Don’t Overcrowd the Potatoes**: Make sure the potatoes have enough space in the roasting pan to get crispy. If the pan is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam rather than roast.
4. **Experiment with Vegetables**: While potatoes are a classic pairing with this dish, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts. Just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
### Conclusion
**Poulet aux Herbes et au Citron avec Pommes de Terre** is the epitome of French comfort food. The combination of succulent roast chicken, crisp potatoes, and fragrant herbs creates a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
With its simple preparation and rich, aromatic taste, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of French elegance into their kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let the irresistible smells of herb and lemon-infused chicken fill your home. Bon appétit!
