If you’re looking for a modern twist on the traditional whole chicken roast winter warmer, you’ve landed in the right corner of the internet. But what’s the twist, you may be asking? Well, it’s the delicious blend of garlic and herbs that really make this chicken recipe sing. So, forget about traditional stuffing, grab yourself a free-range chicken, and follow the steps in this recipe for the ultimate winter warmer.
What’s the Secret?
The highlight of this dish is definitely the aromatic rub and stuffing. It’s super simple but helps ensure that you get crispy skin, juicy meat and a delicious flavour that delights all of your senses.
What’s in the Rub?
The recipe’s first step is to season your whole chicken roast — cover the bird in olive oil, butter, lemon juice and wine. These ingredients will help the skin crisp up, so you want to ensure they’re distributed generously and evenly.
Then you’re going to add salt, pepper and parsley to amp up the crisp factor and boost the flavours.
Finally, rub your garlic everywhere, then insert it into the cavity with the rosemary and lemon for good measure.
You’ve now got a perfectly seasoned winter warmer roast chook that’s both delicious and nutritious.
What Are the Nutritional Benefits?
Each element within this dish provides unique health perks, which can then be amplified by the side dishes you select.
For example, free-range chicken — which can easily be sourced from an online butcher — is super rich in many of the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function at their best. It’s also been shown to reduce cholesterol and help control your blood pressure — and it even works as a natural antidepressant.
The garlic — which is arguably the second most important star in this show — features antibacterial properties, can help prevent cancer, works to boost your immune system and can even improve athletic performance and help prevent the onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
Plus, the lemons in this dish are definitely making lemonade in terms of health perks. They support heart health and protect against anaemia, help you maintain a healthy complexion, and even reduce your risk of stroke.
Even the ingredient which seems closest to falling into the unhealthy category — the white wine — does its bit to care for your body on a cold winter night as it helps fight off colds and balance your blood sugar while providing a healthy dose of antioxidants.
Is your mouth watering yet? Because ours certainly is. We suggest pairing this delicious free-range chicken with your favourite seasonal roast vegetables for a nourishing dinner and keeping some of your favourite salad ingredients close at hand for lunch tomorrow if you manage to have any leftovers once you taste this whole chook recipe. Enjoy!