In the culinary world, there is something truly special about Julia Child's favorite roast chicken recipe. A dish that has captivated taste buds and ignited a passion for cooking in countless individuals, it is a testament to the transformative power of a well-crafted meal. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, embarking on a culinary journey to recreate this iconic dish promises an experience that is both rewarding and delectable. As we delve into the secrets behind this beloved recipe, let us uncover the techniques and ingredients that make Julia Child's favorite roast chicken a timeless classic, cherished by food enthusiasts around the world.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
JULIA CHILD'S ROAST CHICKEN
A delicious and fairly simple to prepare roast chicken recipe. The key is in the attention you give the chicken while it is roasting, the more you baste, the juicier it will be! This is a delicious recipe on it's own but is also a wonderful base recipe for anything that calls for shredded or diced cooked chicken. Would be great to roast a few and then keep the shredded chicken/chicken pieces in the freezer for use in salads or on sandwiches.
Provided by KellyMac6
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h35m
Yield 1 3 pound chicken, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Sprinkle the inside of the chicken with 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1 Tb. butter.
- Truss the chicken and dry it thoroughly.
- Rub the skin with 1 Tb. butter.
- In a small saucepan melt 2 tb. butter, and 1 tb. cooking oil. Set aside for basting.
- Place the chicken, breast up, in a shallow roasting pan. Strew the vegetables around it and set it on the rack in the middle of a preheated oven.
- Allow the chicken to brown lightly for 15 minutes, turning it on the left side after 5 minutes, and the right side for the remaining 5 minutes. Baste after each turn with the butter and oil mixture.
- Reduce oven to 350 degrees.
- Leave the chicken on its side and baste every 8 to 10 minutes using the fat in the roasting pan when the butter and oil are exhausted.
- Halfway through estimated roasting time (about 40 minutes in) salt the chicken with 1/4 teaspoons of salt and turn it on its other side. Continue basting.
- Fifteen minutes before the end of estimated roasting time (about 1 hour and 5 minutes in) salt again and turn the chicken breast up. Continue basting.
- When done, discard trussing strings and set on a hot platter. Chicken should sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before being carved so the juices are absorbed by the meat. Chicken is done when it registers between 175 and 190 degrees, depending on your preferred doneness.
- While the chicken is sitting, remove all but two tablespoons of fat from the pan.
- Stir in the minced shallot and cook slowly for 1 minute. Add the stock and boil rapidly over high heat, letting it reduce to about 1/2 cup.
- Season with salt and pepper and swirl in the last 1-2 tablespoons butter.
- Pour a spoonful over chicken and serve the rest at the table as gravy.
JULIA'S ROAST CHICKEN WITH LEMON AND HERBS
Steps:
- Preparing the chicken:
- Set the rack on the lower middle level and preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Rinse the chicken thoroughly, inside and out, under hot water, then dry it with paper towels. Remove any lumps of fat from inside the cavity near the tail opening.
- To make carving easier, remove the wishbone. Lift the flap of neck skin and insert a thin, sharp knife into each end of the breast; then slice diagonally along both sides of the wishbone. Use your finger and thumb to loose the bone, pry it out at the top, and pull it down. If it breaks, carefully wiggle out the pieces.
- Trim the small bony protrusions, or "nubbins," from the wing tip joint. Then fold the wings up against the breast, where they will be held in place by the V-rack.
- Salt and pepper the cavity and stuff it with the sage leaves and 3 or 4 thick slices of lemon; give the slices a squeeze as you put them in. Massage the butter over the entire chicken skin, including undersides, then salt generously.
- Tie the ends of the drumsticks together with twine. Arrange the chicken breast-up on the rack in the roasting pan and tuck the flap of neck skin underneath. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon pieces over the top.
- Roasting the chicken:
- Set the roasting pan in the oven. After 15 minutes, lower heat to 350°F. When the chicken is beginning to brown rapidly, baste with accumulated pan juices. Roast for an hour, adding the onions and carrots after 30 minutes and basting several times. Very carefully test for doneness, checking for easy movement in the leg joint and clear color in the juices. Return it to the oven if there is any sign of pinkness. (A small chicken will roast in about 1 1/4 hours, a larger one may take 1 1/2 hours or more.) When done, remove the chicken from the rack and set it on a board to rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to retreat back into the flesh.
- Final Steps:
- While the chicken is resting, make the deglazing sauce in the roasting pan.
Tips:
- Choose the right chicken: Look for a free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Brine the chicken: Brining the chicken in a mixture of salt, water, and herbs helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Roast the chicken at a high temperature: This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest before carving: This will help to keep the juices in the chicken.
Conclusion:
Roast chicken is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a relatively simple dish to make, but there are a few things you can do to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly. By following the tips above, you can make a roast chicken that is moist, flavorful, and crispy. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give roast chicken a try.
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