This recipe creates a flavorful and comforting meal featuring a whole herb-roasted chicken, a tangy potato salad, and a refreshing cucumber yogurt salad. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a weekend feast, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- This includes preparing the chicken, chopping vegetables, and preparing the salads.
Cook Time: 90 minutes
- This is the roasting time for the chicken.
Total Time: 2 hours
- This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5-2 kg)
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 10g garlic cloves, whole
- 5g salt
- 2g ground black pepper
- 3g ground coriander
- 4g dried rosemary
- 300g softened unsalted butter
- 20g fresh parsley, chopped
- 8g garlic, minced
- 5g fresh rosemary, chopped
- 4g salt
- 2g ground black pepper
For the Potato Salad:
- 500g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 50g unsalted butter
- 20ml lemon juice
- 4g salt
- 4g ground black pepper
For the Cucumber Yogurt Salad:
- 10ml lemon juice
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 8ml balsamic vinegar
- 10ml olive oil
- 4g dried oregano
- 10g fresh dill, chopped
- 150g Greek yogurt
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
Roasting the Chicken:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
-
Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, 4g salt, and 2g black pepper.
- Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken by gently sliding your fingers underneath it.
- Spread the herb butter evenly under the skin and over the entire chicken.
-
Season the Chicken:
- Rub the chicken with 5g salt, 2g black pepper, ground coriander, and dried rosemary.
-
Add Vegetables:
- Chop the onions and tomatoes into large pieces.
- Place the chopped onions, tomatoes, and whole garlic cloves around the chicken in the roasting pan.
-
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes.
-
Rest the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Potato Salad:
-
Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
- Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
-
Mix the Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix the boiled potatoes with butter, lemon juice, 4g salt, and 4g black pepper.
- Toss gently until the potatoes are well coated.
Cucumber Yogurt Salad:
-
Prepare the Red Onion:
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a small bowl, mix the sliced red onion with lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften the onion and mellow the flavors.
-
Prepare the Salad:
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, red onion mixture, olive oil, dried oregano, chopped dill, minced garlic, and Greek yogurt.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- Carve the roasted chicken and serve it with the potato salad and cucumber yogurt salad.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 700-900
- Protein: 50-60g
- Fat: 50-60g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 5-7g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:
Roasted chicken is a classic dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. It’s a versatile and comforting meal that can be customized with various herbs and spices. Potato salad is another staple, with variations found in many cuisines. The cucumber yogurt salad, inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, adds a refreshing and tangy element to the meal. The popularity of this combination stems from its balance of flavors and textures, as well as its suitability for various occasions. It’s a perfect choice for family gatherings, holiday meals, or a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful Chicken: The herb butter and seasonings create a delicious and aromatic roasted chicken.
- Tangy Potato Salad: The lemon juice and butter add a tangy and rich flavor to the potatoes.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad: The yogurt and cucumber create a light and refreshing salad.
- Well-Balanced Meal: The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables makes for a satisfying meal.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the herbs, spices, and seasonings to your taste.
Health Benefits:
- Chicken: Provides lean protein and essential nutrients.
- Potatoes: Offer carbohydrates, potassium, and fiber.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories.
- Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics.
- Herbs and Spices: Provide antioxidants and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry ensures crispy skin.
- Loosen the Skin Carefully: Loosen the chicken skin carefully to avoid tearing it.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Don’t overcook the potatoes, or they will become mushy.
- Chill the Cucumber Salad: Chill the cucumber salad before serving for a refreshing taste.
Variations to Try:
- Add Vegetables: Add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or sweet potatoes to the roasting pan.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano.
- Add Cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese to the cucumber yogurt salad.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken or potato salad.
- Use Different Dressings: Use different dressings for the potato salad, such as a mustard vinaigrette.
Conclusion:
This classic herb-roasted chicken with potato salad and cucumber yogurt salad is a delightful and well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful chicken and refreshing sides, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use chicken broth instead of water for the potatoes?
- Yes, chicken broth adds more flavor to the potatoes.
- Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
- Yes, but Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier.
- Can I prepare the salads ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the salads ahead of time and refrigerate them.
- How do I store leftover chicken and salads?
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze cooked chicken?
- Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
- Yes, use about 1/3 of the amount of dried dill.
- How do I know when the chicken is done?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 75°C (165°F).
- Can I use a different type of potato?
- Yes, use any type of potato you prefer.
- Can I add other spices to the chicken?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs.