Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure a slow and even roast, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly while keeping it juicy.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps in achieving a crispy skin. Rub the chicken generously with 1 ½ tablespoons of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure that the salt and pepper are evenly distributed both inside and outside the cavity of the chicken.
- Stuff the Chicken: Stuff the cavity of the chicken with 3 rosemary sprigs, 4 thyme sprigs, about 10 sage leaves, and a few slices of orange. This will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors from the herbs and citrus as it roasts.
- Zest the Orange: Take the zest of 1 orange (cut into fine strips) and rub it all over the outside of the chicken. This will enhance the citrus flavor and add a subtle sweetness.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the entire chicken. Use your hands or a brush to rub the oil into the skin. This will help the skin turn golden and crispy as the chicken roasts.
- Place the Chicken in the Roasting Pan: Place the chicken breast-side up in a large roasting pan. Arrange any remaining herbs and orange slices around the chicken in the pan.
- Add Chicken Stock: Pour about 2-3 cups of chicken stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will keep the chicken moist during cooking and can later be used to make the orange glaze.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (the thigh) reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken every 30 minutes with the pan juices to ensure it stays moist.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the juice of 1 orange, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Stir the mixture well to dissolve the cornstarch.
- Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook until the glaze thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brush the Chicken with Glaze: When the chicken is about 15-20 minutes away from being done, brush the orange-honey glaze all over the skin of the chicken. This will give the chicken a shiny, caramelized finish and add a sweet citrus flavor.
- Finish Roasting: Return the chicken to the oven and roast for the remaining time until fully cooked and the skin is golden brown.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve with the pan juices, along with any remaining orange slices and herbs for garnish.
