Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

AmericanAuthentic Cuisine

American Chicken Roast

Serves 4 to 6 Entree chicken, Poultry

American Chicken Roast

American Chicken Roast finds its home in the heart of family dinners, where simplicity meets comfort. This dish isn't bound by holiday rules or special occasions; it's a staple that graces the table whenever the mood calls for something hearty and satisfying. Passed down through generations, this roast is crafted in the way American families have perfected it: with a generous hand of salt and a table set for sharing.

Expect a crispy, golden skin encasing tender, juicy meat, with potatoes that have soaked up the rich flavors of chicken fat and paprika. A squeeze of lemon brings a bright contrast, cutting through the richness with a tangy note. The meal is straightforward and satisfying, embodying the essence of American home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1whole chicken
  • 1 kgpotatoes
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tsppaprika
  • lemonhalved
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin. Season the chicken generously with fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika, ensuring you cover all sides and inside the cavity. This seasoning will enhance the flavor and create a beautiful crust when browned.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breast-side down to brown it. Allow it to sear for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken to brown the other side, ensuring an even color all around.
  3. While the chicken is browning, wash and cut the 1 kg of potatoes into quarters. After the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Add the potatoes to the same pan, tossing them in the rendered chicken fat and any remaining oil. Season the potatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring to coat them well.
  4. Return the chicken to the pan, placing it on top of the potatoes. Squeeze the juice of the halved lemon over the chicken and potatoes, then place the lemon halves in the pan for added flavor. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
  5. Roast the chicken and potatoes in the oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear when pierced between the leg and thigh, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be tender and golden brown.
  6. If there is excess liquid in the pan, carefully remove the chicken and potatoes and place them on a serving platter. Set the pan over medium heat on the stovetop to reduce the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt if necessary.
  7. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped herbs of your choice, such as parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve the roasted chicken and potatoes family-style, allowing everyone to enjoy the flavors and warmth of this comforting American classic.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore American cuisine