Looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this One Pan Roast Chicken and Kale recipe! With its crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a culinary delight that captures the essence of American comfort food. In just one hour, you can create a mouthwatering meal that combines the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the nutritious goodness of kale. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Keep reading to discover the simple steps to this show-stopping recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Place the whole chicken in a large cast-iron skillet or roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Season the chicken generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the seasonings into the skin to enhance flavor penetration.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon slices and half of the minced garlic. This will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Scatter the chopped kale around the chicken in the pan, ensuring it's in a single layer. Sprinkle remaining garlic over the kale.
- Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a more compact shape.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Serve the roasted chicken directly from the pan, with crispy kale as a side, and drizzle pan juices over the dish for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for a high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor and texture. A 3-4 lb chicken is ideal for this recipe, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Pat it Dry: After removing the giblets, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that coveted crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and paprika! Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, including inside the cavity, to maximize flavor.
- Infuse with Lemon and Garlic: Stuffing the chicken with lemon slices and minced garlic not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat moist during roasting.
- Kale Placement: Make sure to arrange the kale in a single layer around the chicken. This allows it to roast properly, becoming crispy and delicious.
- Truss for Even Cooking: Trussing the chicken legs helps it maintain its shape and ensures even cooking throughout.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: After roasting, allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This step is key to keeping the meat juicy and tender.
- Serve with Pan Juices: Drizzle the flavorful pan juices over the chicken and kale when serving for an extra burst of flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
