Roasted Chicken & Rice

Roasted Chicken & Rice

A Timeless Family Recipe Welcome, food lovers, to SecretofGrandma.com! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that embodies warmth, comfort, and generations of love: Grandma’s Roasted Chicken and Rice. This isn’t just any chicken and rice; it’s a complete, wholesome meal packed with incredible flavor, designed to bring smiles to every face at your family dinner table. Are you searching for the best roasted chicken recipe? Do you want to master how to make flavorful rice that perfectly complements tender chicken? Look no further! This easy chicken and rice bake is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas and your weekend feast desires.

Why Did Grandma Always Prepare This Roasted Chicken?

You might wonder, why was roasted chicken and rice a staple in Grandma’s kitchen? The reasons are as heartwarming as the dish itself:

• • Nutritious & Wholesome: Grandma always prioritized feeding her family well. This recipe combines protein-rich chicken with energy-giving rice and often includes vegetables, making it a healthy family meal.

• • Economical & Accessible: Chicken and rice are budget-friendly ingredients that are readily available. Grandma knew how to make a little go a long way, creating a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

• • One-Pan Wonder (Mostly!): While there are a few steps, the beauty of this dish is that much of it comes together in one roasting pan, minimizing cleanup – a definite win for a busy grandma!

• • Comfort Food at its Best: There’s something inherently comforting about the aroma of roasting chicken filling the house. This dish evokes feelings of home, security, and love, making it the ultimate comfort food recipe.

• • Customizable & Versatile: Grandma could easily adapt this recipe based on what she had on hand. Whether it was adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables, the core recipe remained forgiving and delicious. It’s a fantastic versatile chicken recipe!

• • Crowd-Pleaser: Let’s face it, everyone loves roasted chicken and rice! It’s a guaranteed hit with both picky eaters and adventurous palates, making it perfect for large family gatherings or holiday meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To recreate Grandma’s magic, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. We’re focusing on fresh, high-quality components for the ultimate roasted chicken flavor.

• • For the Roasted Chicken:
    • • 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), giblets removed and patted dry – choose a free-range chicken for best flavor.
    • • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin olive oil recommended)
    • • 1 tbsp dried rosemary (or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary)
    • • 1 tbsp dried thyme (or 3 sprigs fresh thyme)
    • • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
    • • 1 tsp onion powder
    • • 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
    • • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
    • • 1 lemon, halved
    • • 1 large onion, quartered (yellow onion or red onion)
    • • Optional: 2-3 carrots, roughly chopped; 2-3 celery stalks, roughly chopped (for aromatic vegetables)

• • For the Flavorful Rice:
    • • 2 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati or Jasmine rice work wonderfully for fluffy rice)
    • • 3.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium chicken broth is preferred)
    • • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
    • • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for fresh herb flavor)
    • • Salt to taste

Equipment:

• • Large roasting pan

• • Small mixing bowl

• • Measuring cups and spoons

• • Sharp knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Grandma’s Roasted Chicken and Rice

Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect golden brown roasted chicken and perfectly cooked rice. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes Servings: 4-6

1. 1. Preheat & Prepare the Chicken:
      • • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
      • • Pat the whole chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for crispy chicken skin!
      • • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create your chicken seasoning rub.
      • • Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if desired, for maximum flavor.
      • • Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and onion quarters (and chopped carrots/celery if using). This adds incredible aroma and moisture.
      • • Place the seasoned chicken in the center of your large roasting pan.

1. 1. Roast the Chicken (Initial Roast):
      • • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the skin starts to turn golden brown and delicious. This initial roast helps render the fat and build flavor.

1. 1. Prepare the Rice:
      • • While the chicken is roasting, rinse your long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, leading to fluffier rice. Drain well.
      • • In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Stir in the butter until melted. Keep warm.

1. 1. Add Rice to Roasting Pan:
      • • Carefully remove the roasting pan from the oven.
      • • Around the chicken, carefully pour the rinsed rice into the pan, spreading it evenly.
      • • Pour the warm chicken broth over the rice. Be careful not to pour it directly onto the chicken’s crispy skin.
      • • Stir the rice gently to ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Add a pinch of salt to the rice.

1. 1. Continue Roasting:
      • • Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
      • • Return the roasting pan to the oven and continue to roast for another 45-60 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid, is tender, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone).
      • • Pro Tip: If the chicken skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.

1. 1. Rest & Serve:
      • • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the roasting pan and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.
      • • While the chicken rests, fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork directly in the pan. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
      • • Carve the chicken into serving pieces.
      • • Serve the carved chicken alongside the incredibly flavorful, aromatic rice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Success (Grandma’s Wisdom):

• • Don’t Skip Patting Dry: This is the secret to truly crispy chicken skin.

• • Season Generously: Grandma never shied away from seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use enough salt and pepper.

• • Internal Temperature is Key: A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked, safe chicken.

• • Let It Rest: This step is crucial for juicy roasted chicken.

• • Deglaze the Pan (Optional but Recommended): After removing the chicken and rice, if there are any delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth and scrape them up to create an incredible pan sauce.

• • Vegetable Medley: Feel free to add more vegetables to the roasting pan with the rice, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, for an even more wholesome meal. This is an excellent one-pot chicken dinner idea!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• • Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken? Yes, absolutely! Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks work great. Adjust cooking time accordingly (usually shorter than a whole chicken). This is a fantastic chicken thigh and rice recipe.

• • How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover roasted chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

• • Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can pre-chop your vegetables and mix your seasoning rub ahead of time. The assembled dish is best cooked just before serving.

• • What can I serve with this meal? Grandma loved to serve this with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.

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This Grandma’s Secret Roasted Chicken and Rice recipe is more than just food; it’s a legacy of flavor, comfort, and love. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this cherished dish as much as Grandma enjoyed preparing it for her family. Happy Cooking from SecretofGrandma.com! Remember to tag us in your creations!