ROASTED CHICKEN WITH BROWN GRAVY

Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy is a timeless, comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of juicy, golden-brown chicken and rich, savory gravy. This recipe transforms a simple roast chicken into a flavorful feast, with the gravy made from the pan drippings, capturing all the essence of the roasted meat. The chicken is seasoned and roasted to perfection, ensuring a crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. Paired with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, offering both simplicity and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

For the Brown Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pan drippings from the roasted chicken

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the entire chicken with olive oil or melted butter. Season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme or rosemary. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon quarters, onion quarters, and smashed garlic cloves.
3. Roast the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with the pan drippings halfway through cooking for extra flavor and crispiness.
4. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
5. Make the brown gravy: While the chicken is resting, make the gravy. Place the roasting pan with the drippings on the stovetop over medium heat. If there aren’t enough drippings, add a bit of butter to the pan. Add the flour to the pan and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
6. Add the broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Carve the roasted chicken and serve it with the brown gravy on the side. Pair with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, juicy chicken and rich, savory gravy make it an unforgettable meal that’s easy to love.