The Basics: Roasting a Chicken

If you have teenage kids and you really want to teach them some life skills that they can use in their college years (and beyond) – teach them how to cook.  Just a few simple dishes.  When they are off on their own, being able to prepare a meal by themselves will not only sustain them, but it will also exponentially increase their value as a roommate (as experiencing college life without sharing a living space is pretty rare). 

 

One of the easiest things for kids (or even adults) to learn just starting out in the kitchen is how to roast a chicken.  It’s hard to mess up, provides food for a few days (think leftovers) and really only requires three ingredients – a chicken, olive oil, and some salt & pepper (OK, technically that’s four).  Sure, you can jazz things up by varying the spices, filling the bird’s cavity with fruits, vegetables, stuffing, or going off on several other culinary tangents, but there are fewer things more satisfying than a simple roasted chicken.

(Image credit – gettyimages.com)

Here’s a “can’t miss” recipe:

Simple Roasted Chicken

•  One 4-5 pound whole chicken (neck and giblets removed from the cavity)
•  1 tblsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
•  Salt and pepper (kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper are even better)

1.       Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees.
2.       Place the chicken (breast side up) in a roasting pan or other oven-safe pan.
3.       Drizzle the olive oil on the bird and rub it into the skin.  Sprinkle generously with the salt and pepper.
4.       Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then drop the heat back to 375 degrees and continue roasting for about 50-60 minutes more (the juices should run clear and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 165 degrees).
5.       Remove the chicken from the oven, place it on a cutting board, and allow it to rest before carving (about 15-20 minutes).
 

That’s it.  Really.  There’s no tying, trussing, or complicated French techniques.  Just keep an eye on your bird through the oven window towards the end of the extended roasting cycle (at 375 degrees).  The chicken comes out crispy and brown, the meat is juicy (remember to let it rest), and your kids (and you) will love the delicious results.

Five or ten years from now your child may even thank you for saving them from yet another night of carry-out pizza, ramen noodles, or Taco Bell.