How to Cook Fragrant Rosemary Roasted Chicken - A Free Learn To Cook Lesson

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By Walkaboutangel
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Fragrant Rosemary Roasted Chicken could not be easier to prepare at home. Roast some extra and store it in the freezer for a luscious, home cooked meal in a flash. It is great left over cold, sliced for sandwiches, boned for chicken salad, (I will post the recipe) or served with fresh fruit.

Today my local market had fresh, all natural chicken breasts on sale for 97 cents a pound. Twenty pounds came home with me and by tomorrow it will have been transformed into Perfect Poached Chicken, Garlic Baked Chicken (I will post the recipes) and Rosemary Roasted Chicken. (just like in the expensive restaurants, but cheaper)

Enjoy

Angel

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

baking pan with sides to hold the amount of chicken you wish to cook
a gallon plastic zip bag
2 pan sized sheets of foil
dried or fresh rosemary
extra virgin olive oil
salt - I prefer sea salt
pepper
an oven

Step 1

For each two pieces of chicken, place into a plastic zip bag

1/2 teaspoon dried or on teaspoon fresh rosemary,
1 pinch of salt,
2 grinds of fresh pepper
one tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Rub the rosemary between the palms of your hands before adding to the oil to release the aroma and flavor of the herb.
Step 2

Remove chicken from packages and rinse briefly under cold running water.
Step 3

Place rinsed chicken into the bag with the oil and herb mixture. Close the bag and squish the chicken around in it until the chicken is covered with the herb and oil mixture.
Step 4

Place in the refrigerator and allow to marinate for one hour. You may leave the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours if you want to do this step the day before. I always place the bag in a container just in case it leaks....
Step 5

AS ALWAYS WHEN HANDLING RAW POULTRY, REMEMBER THAT IT MAY CONTAIN BACTERIA HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH AND DO NOT ALLOW IT OR THE UTENSILS USED WITH IT TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH FOODS THAT WILL NOT BE FULLY COOKED. WASH HANDS, UTENSILS, AND SURFACES WITH HOT SOAPY WATER BEFORE HANDLING OTHER FOODS. DO NOT SAMPLE OR TASTE UNDERCOOKED POULTRY OR COOKING LIQUID.
Step 6

When you are ready to roast the chicken, place chicken breasts (or thighs or other chicken parts of your choice) bone side down, skin side up on a foil covered cookie sheet. Use a cookie sheet with sides so that the juices do not run off the edge. Any shallow baking dish will do, but I cook a lot at time, so I use cookie sheets or sheet pans.
Step 7

Spoon the rosemary and oil mixture over the chicken breast and rub it around a little with the back of the spoon.
Step 8

Place in the center of a preheated 450 degree oven. Immediately turn the oven down to 400 degrees and bake until the skin is golden and crisp and the juices run clear, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Step 9

Time will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts pieces. Most of the fat will cook out of the skin and baste the chicken for you. The aroma of the chicken roasting in the oven will fill your home with anticipation of the feast to be.
Step 10

Remove from oven and test for doneness. Skin should be crisp and golden and juices will run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork.
Step 11

Cover with a foil tent. Fold a piece of foil in half and then open it and lay it loosely over the top of the hot pan of chicken.
Step 12

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the chicken and will keep your chicken moist and succulent.
Step 13

Serve with a salad, sides, and garlic toast. Leftovers may be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and they are great for many uses. I always cook extra and pack it for the freezer.

It is wonderful to pull it out for an instant meal on days I have no time to cook. You can also pack it frozen in a lunch box and by lunch time it will be thawed and ready to eat.... Yummmm.... cold chicken....

You will find directions for making steak fries and salad here:http://www.xomba.com/mommas_easy_cheeseburger_and_steak_fries_a_learn_to_cook_meal

And an introduction to the "Learn To Cook" Lessons here:

http://www.xomba.com/learn_to_cook_cooking_lessons_an_introducton

Enjoy

Angel