UGH I had this whole post written and then Windows Live Writer gave out on me. Serves me right for not saving often enough!
Tonight, I was going to pick up a rotisserie chicken for dinner, but when I got to the store, they were all out. Not wanting to drive to another store (what if they were out too?) or abandon my dinner plans (I promised Mitch he’d have chicken and roasted vegetables waiting for him when he came home from school) I picked up a whole (uncooked) chicken instead. I’ve roasted a chicken twice before, but Mitch and I decided that since the rotisserie chickens are really tasty and only cost a dollar more, homemade roast chicken wasn’t worth the effort (and I HATE removing the the gross stuff inside…it makes me want to vomit and seriously consider vegetarianism).
Before I got home I Tweeted that I was roasting a chicken tonight and asked if anyone had any advice. One of my favorite food bloggers (not just because she lives in San Diego so in theory she could just show up at my house with her delicious snacks and treats) Recipe Girl gave me some tips and pointed me to this funny article about how to roast a chicken. I used a combination of that method and Jenna’s method (basically, the same thing) and I stuffed the poor bird with two small lemons and half a large onion, rubbed the outside with olive oil, garlic salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cooked it for 15 minutes at 450. I turned the heat down to 425, squeezed lemon juice on top and cooked it for another 45 minutes.
When I turned down the heat I threw three pans of chopped vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, onion, bell peppers, cauliflower, and sweet potato) into the oven to roast as well. I have never had my oven so packed! I’m so efficient.
I then tried not to spoil my dinner with Newman’s Own Organics protein pretzels (YUM) while I was waiting patiently for the chicken to cook. Note to self: plan smarter next time, Hallie.
Finally, I pulled everything out of the oven and admired my handiwork (aka, placing stuff in the oven. Difficult stuff, really).
Note the time. That’s quite late for dinner for me. Boo. But please don’t note my dirty stovetop. It’s on the “to do” list for this weekend for my boyfriend since we all know I don’t clean.
The chicken was a lot more juicy and flavorful then I was expecting. Win! Although that wasn’t my favorite part of the meal. I ate the chicken for the protein, but I stuffed my face with those vegetables…mmmm. I probably had twice what you see below, straight from the pan. Now I’m really full but it’s. worth. it.
I love roasted sweet potatoes with ketchup as well. We’ve been getting sweet potatoes in our CSA the past few weeks so I’ve getting my Vitamin A, that’s for sure.
I think I’ll still go with the pre-cooked chicken most of the time, but this came out pretty good and it was nice knowing that if I get to the store and heaven forbid they are out of chicken or the rotisserie thingy is broken, I can roast my own chicken just fine, thankyouverymuch.
But then when I attempted to carve it, I freaked out because I thought half of it wasn’t cooked, which resulted in a less-than-clean carving job, and about a third of the chicken and the carcass (which I was instructed to save to make stock) ending up in the trash. Fail. Oh well, I got enough for Mitch to have for dinner, but I don’t think we’ll have leftovers.
Oh! And look what I got earlier this week:
My Secret Bloggie Valentine package! I was paired up with Kelsey, who doesn’t have a blog so she sent me a photo with a little info about herself. Kelsey, I think you need a blog! You seem really cool and you have excellent taste (I LOVE Lindt truffles and can’t wait to try that vegan cookie). Thanks Kelsey! I can’t wait to use the coffee mug. This was my first blogger goodie exchange and it was quite fun, both picking out my items to send and of course, getting some shtuff in return! Blogging is fun 
What’s the coolest thing you ever got as a result of blogging (it can be anything…free stuff, making a new friend, a new recipe or fitness idea, a trip to a yoga retreat in Massachusetts…)?
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I’m so proud of you for cooking a whole chicken!!! The carving is the hardest part. I actually had to call my dad the first time and have him talk me through it!
Coolest thing from blogging: honestly its all the friends I’ve made!! The $150 cheese package wasn’t bad either
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I think the coolest thing I’ve gotten is making some awesome friends. And I love the giveaways. It’s fun to try and win (which I don’t ever really do haha).
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So glad it all worked out. I always use a thermometer when I roast meat- the kind w/ the long cord that sits remotely outside the oven, just to be safe. Bummer that you don’t have that carcass… there’s nothing like homemade stock to make some yummy, healthy soup. That’s the advantage of roasting the chicken yourself.
Coolest thing I’ve gotten from blogging- definitely the relationships I’ve made w/ other folks in the business. Attending conferences is a great experience.
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The best thing I have gotten is friends! I love all the amazing people I have met!
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Great friends and a huge support system!
Great question…..
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Oh I’d LOVE to win a trip somewhere through blogging! What a great “Giveaway” that would be! Best thing I have gotten from blogging would just be new friends, and a case full of Chobani yogurt!
Your roasted chicken sounds amazing. I have never done this before but I’ll have to come back to this post and take your advice if I ever do! Like you and Mitch, Nick and I always figure we might as well just buy the pre-cooked version, since it’s not much more expensive. Its good to try homemade sometimes though, it’s more fun and more of an accomplishment. The veggies on the side look so good. I love that I love veggies so much! I crave them sometimes.
Have a great weekend Hallie!
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Good job on the chicken! It looks great! I love roasted chicken…Mmmmm!!! I’ve gotten a free cooking class before because of blogging but best of all…friends!
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I really like the support that I get from other bloggers. Some of my real life friends don’t understand the whole healthy living thing and look at me like I’m crazy but I can always count on my blog friends to understand and support me.
Free stuff is fun too.
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i have never roasted a whole chicken before. it’s on my bucket list!
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ive never roasted a chicken for a variety of reasons- but mostly because i probably thought i would ruin it. but you make it seem a lot easier than i have been thinking…shall i give it a try myself this year?
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Hahaha, I read that post you linked to about roasting a chicken. I was totally scared roasting a whole chicken my first time…maybe because it’s a whole frickin’ bird. But it is seriously one of THE easiest home-cooked meals to do. Especially when yummy roast veggies are involved! You’re right with the cost comparison though, I think some of the pre-roasted chickens at my grocery store are actually cheaper than the raw ones. But usually they’re coated in seasoning.
Best thing I ever got was a food processor from Janetha! I cried when I opened it
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