Description
This Clementine Roast Chicken with Fennel and Honey is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines juicy roasted chicken with sweet and citrusy clementines, fragrant fennel, and a touch of honey. The marinade imbues the chicken with a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes, while roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and fruit. A comforting and elegant main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- 4 clementines, halved
- 1 large fennel bulb, quartered
- 1 large onion, quartered
- Olive oil (for tossing vegetables, about 1-2 tablespoons)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for roasting the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to promote crispy skin during roasting.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours, for best flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Clementines: Toss the quartered fennel and onion along with the halved clementines in a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly in a large roasting pan.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breast side up on top of the vegetables and clementines in the roasting pan.
- Roast the Chicken: Insert the roasting pan into the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear when pierced.
- Baste the Chicken (Optional): Every 20 minutes, carefully baste the chicken with the pan drippings to add moisture and deepen the flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute evenly.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the roasted fennel, onions, and clementines. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Using fresh thyme provides a subtle fresh herb aroma; dried thyme is a fine substitute if fresh is unavailable.
- Basting is optional but recommended for juicier meat.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before carving is crucial to retain moisture.
- You can substitute clementines with mandarins or small oranges if unavailable.
