Chef RV's Garlic Roast Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.4 kg)
• 2-3 heads of garlic (approx. 80-120g), peeled and lightly crushed
• 2 tsp garlic granules
• 1-2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1-2 tsp lemon or calamansi juice

The Perfect Spice Mix

Preparing the Garlic

First, take your 2-3 heads of garlic and peel the cloves. Lightly crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife, just enough to release their flavors. No need to stress too much over this part!

Mixing the Spices

In a small bowl, combine the following:

• 2 tsp garlic granules
• 1-2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp rosemary

Prepping the Chicken

1. Rinse the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Apply 1-2 tsp of lemon or calamansi juice all over the chicken, both inside and out, to remove any lingering odor.
3. Generously massage the spice mix onto the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface and fill the cavities.

Stuffing the Garlic

Stuff the crushed garlic cloves into the chicken's cavities, ensuring an even distribution. Remember to hide the garlic within the chicken to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.

Air-Frying the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 185°C (375°F).
2. Place the chicken breast-side down in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook the chicken for 35-40 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
5. Let rest of around 30 minutes to an hour before carving.

Using an oven

If using an oven, pre-heat at 180°C (370°F). Cover the chicken with foil and bake for around 60 minutes or until the juices run clear. You may have to bake the chicken longer if you use a bigger chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your roast chicken with garlic alongside some steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. You can also pair it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This recipe yields 4 servings, each weighing approximately 350g.

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 52g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Sodium: 1340mg

Ingredient Substitutes

• If you can't find garlic granules, you can use garlic powder instead.
• Fresh rosemary can be replaced with dried rosemary or thyme.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat.
• For an extra crispy skin, brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil during the final 10 minutes of cooking.

FAQs

Can I cook this roast chicken in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook this roast chicken in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (370°F) and place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side down, covered in foil. Cook for 35-40 minutes, then flip the chicken breast-side up and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat.

How can I store leftover roast chicken?

Store leftover roast chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Can I freeze the cooked roast chicken?

Yes, you can freeze cooked roast chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Properly stored, cooked roast chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I marinate the chicken for a longer time to enhance the flavor?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken for a longer time to intensify the flavors. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the spice mix for at least 2 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent cross-contamination.

Can I add other herbs and spices to the spice mix?

Feel free to customize the spice mix to your preference. You can add other herbs such as thyme, oregano, or sage for a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, you could add a touch of heat by incorporating paprika or cayenne pepper.