Roasted Chicken with Apples and Root Vegetables

This roasted chicken recipe is a delightful combination of succulent poultry paired with the sweetness of apples and the earthiness of root vegetables. Infused with aromatic rosemary and a hint of chili for spice, it offers a balanced flavor profile that's both hearty and comforting. The addition of honey creates a lovely glaze, enhancing the natural sweetness of the ingredients. Ideal for festive gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this dish is both impressive and satisfying. Slow-roasting the chicken ensures it remains juicy and tender, while the mixture of spices adds an enticing aroma to your kitchen. With the infused flavor of garlic and raisins mixed into the apple stuffing, every bite offers something delightful. Accompanying the chicken are perfectly roasted root vegetables seasoned with rosemary and butter, creating a complete meal. This dish is not just about the taste, but also about the experience of a wholesome, homely meal shared with loved ones.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 whole chicken
3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
3 cloves of garlic
3 sprigs of rosemary
1 handful of raisins
1-2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons chili powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Side Ingredients

3 carrots
2 parsnips
2 turnips
2 additional cloves of garlic
1 rutabaga
1-2 tablespoons butter
1 sprig rosemary
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Preparation Time

Total time: 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes)

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by preparing the stuffing: Peel and core the apples, cutting them into pieces. Mix them with the raisins, honey, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 sprig of chopped rosemary, and 1 minced clove of garlic.
Next, take the remaining rosemary and garlic, mince them, and mix with the melted butter, the rest of the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out.
Stuff the chicken with the apple mixture and use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, securing the stuffing inside.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.
While the chicken roasts, prepare the root vegetables: Peel and cut the carrots, parsnips, turnips, and rutabaga into uniform pieces.
Remove only the outer skin of the garlic cloves, leaving them whole to preserve their flavor.
Toss the vegetables with chopped rosemary, salt, pepper, and butter, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Approximately 30 minutes before the chicken is done, place the prepared vegetables in the oven. Cook them in a covered dish, aluminum foil, or wrap them in a foil pouch alongside the chicken.
Continue to roast until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
Check that the chicken is fully cooked, with juices running clear when pierced with a knife in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest the chicken for about 10 minutes before carving.
Arrange the carved chicken on a serving platter, surrounded by the roasted root vegetables.
Serve warm, with additional sauce or gravy if desired.

Tips

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the spice and herb mixture.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
Ensure an even cook by cutting vegetables into similar sizes.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 550 per serving
Protein: 45g
Fats: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

Use pears instead of apples for a milder fruit flavor.
Replace chilies with smoked paprika for a smoky aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic touch.
Serve with a light green salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette.
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

The Little Chicken Shop - Known for its adventurous takes on classic chicken recipes. Location: 25 Kensington Ave, Toronto, Canada.
Apple & Sage - Cozy café with a variety of infused dishes. Location: 14 Orchard St, New York, USA.
Rustic Roast - A traditional eatery specializing in roasted poultry. Location: 78 Farm Lane, Oxford, UK.
Herbal Haven - Features fresh herbs in every dish. Location: 22 Greenway Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
Gourmet Roots - Celebrates root vegetables in their culinary lineup. Location: 124 Culinary Ct, Paris, France.
Roast & Toast - Combines hearty roasts with freshly brewed coffee. Location: 66 Main Blvd, Seattle, USA.
Earthly Delights - Focuses on organic and sustainable ingredients. Location: 89 Harvest Ave, Vancouver, Canada.
Flavor House - Offers bold flavors with a focus on natural seasoning. Location: 53 Spices Rd, Mumbai, India.
Green Side Grille - Merges healthy options with gourmet flavors. Location: 37 Leafy Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
Wholesome Bites - Specializes in nourishing meals that comfort and satisfy. Location: 45 Homestead Dr, Cape Town, South Africa.