Juicy Roasted Chicken
This recipe held a special place in our hearts, connecting us to our family heritage and creating cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste
1/2 cup butter, divided
stalk celery, leaves removed
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place chicken in a roasting pan, and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside and out with onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons butter in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining butter around the chicken’s exterior. Cut the celery into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity.
- Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat, and baste with melted butter and drippings. Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.
As I followed my grandmother’s cherished recipe for roasted chicken, I felt a sense of connection to my family’s culinary traditions. The anticipation grew as the aroma of the chicken filled the kitchen, promising a mouthwatering meal.
When it was time to carve the chicken, I couldn’t help but admire its succulent and moist meat. As my family gathered around the table, the silence that fell upon us was a testament to the deliciousness of the dish.
We enjoyed every bite of the roasted chicken, savoring its flavorful juices. And as a playful tradition, we nibbled on the celery that had been used to enhance the chicken’s aroma and flavor.