Engagement Chicken: A Baked Chicken Recipe with Herbs and Citrus

Engagement Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that is often touted as a way to someone's heart. This baked chicken recipe is infused with fresh herbs and citrus, creating a moist and tender meal that is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner. The combination of garlic, lemon, and rosemary gives the chicken a beautiful aromatic flavor that is juicy and irresistible.

This recipe has a charming backstory—it's believed that making this dish for your significant other may just lead to a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, this chicken dish is undoubtedly a winner in the kitchen.

Ingredients:- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil- 1 tablespoon kosher salt- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)- 1 lemon, cut into halves- 1 bunch fresh rosemary- 1 bunch fresh thyme- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise- 1 large onion, sliced- 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity.

3. Marinate the Chicken:In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk together until well mixed.

4. Apply the Marinade:Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Pour the lemon mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.

5. Stuff the Chicken:Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and halved garlic head. Spread the sliced onions around the chicken in the roasting pan.

6. Roast the Chicken:Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

7. Let the Chicken Rest:Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

8. Carve and Serve:Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted onions and lemony pan juices. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy the delightful flavors with your loved one!

Engagement Chicken is not only delicious but also a heartfelt way to share a meal that’s rich in tradition and flavor. Enjoy making and serving this special dish!