Roasted chicken with whole garlic, bay leaves and white wine

Add flavor to your roast with this spring recipe featuring mild, moist garlic, a seasonal treat. This delicious dish combines juicy roast chicken with the bold flavors of whole garlic, fragrant bay leaves and a hint of white wine. The mild, moist garlic adds a unique flavor to the meat and gives it an irresistible, aromatic taste. As the chicken roasts in the oven, the tantalizing scents will fill your kitchen and create a truly delicious feeling. Treat yourself to this delicious spring recipe and enjoy the rich, flavorful experience it promises.

Ingredients

1 chicken about 1½kg/3lb 5oz
8 bay leaves
50g soft butter
1 lemon, halved
4 whole heads of wet garlic
Cut ½ baguette diagonally into 8 thin slices
1 tbsp olive oil
150 ml white wine

Preparation steps

Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
Season the chicken inside and out.
Loosen the skin over the breast and place a bay leaf on each breast and some butter between the skin.
Add the rest of the bay leaves and the lemon to the cavity.
Spread the rest of the butter all over the bird.
Place in a roasting tin and cook for 45 minutes.
Add the garlic to the pan, drizzle the chicken with the butter juice and bake in the oven for another 45 minutes.
In the meantime, place the baguette slices on a tray and drizzle with a little oil.
Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown, then remove from the oven.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest with the soft garlic.
To make the sauce, drain the fat from the can, place the can on the stove and squirt in the wine and chicken juice.
Blow up the foam, scrape off any sticky bits, then drain into a pitcher.
Serve the chicken with the croutons, the jug of sauce and the garlic for squeezing.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
593	32g	11g	23g	2g	2g	53g	0.95g

Equipment and tools

To successfully prepare this fried chicken recipe, you will need the following equipment and tools:

A roasting tray
A sharp knife
A basting brush
A cutting board
A large serving platter
Kitchen twine (optional)

Allergen information

Please note the following allergens in this fried chicken recipe:

Butter: dairy products
Baguette: wheat (gluten)
Olive oil: None
White wine: None

Storage and leftovers

If there are any leftovers from this fried chicken dish, it is important to store them properly to preserve freshness. Here are some storage guidelines:

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Eat leftovers within 2-3 days.

To reheat leftovers, you can warm them in the oven or on the stove. Make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly before serving.

Health Benefits of Roast Chicken with Whole Garlic, Bay Leaves and White Wine

Roasted chicken with whole garlic, bay leaves and white wine not only creates a delicious and flavorful dish but also offers several health benefits. This recipe combines lean chicken protein with the antioxidant properties of garlic and the potentially heart-healthy benefits of white wine. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional benefits these ingredients provide.

1. Lean protein

A 1½kg chicken used in this recipe is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays an important role in repairing and building tissue, supporting a healthy immune system, and promoting overall growth and development. Including lean protein in your diet can help maintain muscle mass, aid in weight management, and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.

2. Antioxidant-rich garlic

The recipe calls for four whole heads of wet garlic, which not only adds flavor but also provides numerous health benefits. Garlic is known for its high antioxidant content, mainly due to the presence of sulfur compounds such as allicin. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain types of cancer. Garlic may also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, helping to boost the immune system and fight infections.

3. Heart-healthy white wine

The dish uses 150 ml of white wine, which may provide certain health benefits, especially for heart health. Moderate white wine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. The alcohol and antioxidants found in white wine, such as resveratrol and flavonoids, may support cardiovascular health by increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL), reducing inflammation and preventing blood clots from forming. However, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation to reap its potential benefits.

These health benefits highlight the positive aspects of preparing roast chicken with whole garlic, bay leaves and white wine. By incorporating this dish into your diet, you will not only satisfy your taste buds, but also provide your body with important nutrients, antioxidants and potential protective effects for your overall health and well-being.