Sunday Roast: Butterflied Chicken

Sunday Roast: Butterflied Chicken

Introduction

Sunday roast is a beloved meal, enjoyed by families worldwide as a weekend tradition. It’s a hearty meal, often shared around the dinner table, where loved ones gather to enjoy food and company. While the traditional roast may include beef or lamb, butterflied chicken offers a fantastic alternative that cooks quicker while still delivering the full, flavorful experience.

This recipe for butterflied chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. The technique of butterflying a chicken involves removing the backbone so the bird can be flattened, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin. Marinated with a blend of mayonnaise, butter, lemon juice, spices, and garlic, this dish brings a zesty and rich flavor to your Sunday roast.

Ingredients

• 1 full chicken, butterflied
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted
• 60ml lemon juice (about 4 Tbsp)
• 1 Tbsp chicken spice
• Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Flatten the chicken by pressing down on the breastbone.
3. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, melted butter, lemon juice, chicken spice, parsley, and minced garlic until combined.
5. Marinate the chicken: Coat the butterflied chicken thoroughly with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring all sides are covered.
6. Cover the chicken with foil and place it on an oven tray.
7. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through.
8. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and allow the chicken to brown for another 10 minutes to get crispy skin.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
10. Serve and enjoy your Sunday roast with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or gravy.

Methods

The method for butterflying the chicken is key to reducing cooking time and ensuring even roasting. By flattening the bird, more surface area is exposed to heat, leading to crispy skin and juicy meat.

History

Roast dinners have a long history, dating back to medieval times in England, where meats were roasted over open flames. Chicken, being more affordable and easier to prepare than beef, became a popular choice, especially when roasted for family gatherings. The tradition spread around the world, evolving with different cultures and ingredients.

Benefits

• Time-efficient: Butterflying the chicken significantly reduces the cooking time, making it perfect for a quicker Sunday roast.
• Healthier option: Chicken is a lean protein, providing essential amino acids and fewer calories compared to fattier meats like lamb or beef.
• Flavor-packed: The marinade of lemon, butter, and garlic not only enhances the taste but also helps in tenderizing the chicken.
• Easy to prepare: This recipe requires minimal preparation but delivers maximum flavor.

Formation

The key to this dish is balance – the rich mayonnaise and butter blend with the freshness of lemon and parsley, creating a well-rounded roast chicken that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The foil cover helps retain moisture during the first part of cooking, while the final 10 minutes without the foil give the skin its desired crispiness.

Conclusion

This butterflied chicken recipe for Sunday roast is perfect for those seeking a comforting, flavorful, and time-efficient meal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular weekend dinner, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Lovers

This recipe is ideal for chicken lovers who enjoy tender, juicy meat with a crispy skin. The lemon and garlic marinade gives the chicken a fresh and zesty flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s also a hit among those who appreciate traditional meals but seek a modern, quicker twist on the classic Sunday roast.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~360 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 24g (mostly healthy fats from the chicken and butter)
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Vitamins: High in B vitamins, vitamin A, and vitamin C (from lemon juice and parsley)
• Minerals: Good source of iron, potassium, and calcium

Lovers of the Recipe

Fans of roast chicken will absolutely love this recipe. It’s perfect for those who value both flavor and ease, especially for busy Sundays when spending time with family is more important than hours in the kitchen. This dish is versatile enough to be served with an array of sides and will surely become a family favorite.