Description
Ina Garten’s Sleeper Recipe is a simple, versatile roasted dish that combines the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon with either a whole chicken or a medley of fresh seasonal vegetables. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously golden and tender meal with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Herb Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), chopped
- 3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 3-4 cups assorted fresh seasonal vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, or parsnips)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for added richness)
- 1 lemon (for zest and acidity)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before roasting.
- Prepare Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary or thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken or vegetables with flavorful aromatic notes.
- Season the Chicken or Vegetables: If using a whole chicken, thoroughly coat the chicken skin with the herb mixture, making sure to cover all areas for even flavor. If opting for vegetables, toss them well in the herb mixture so every piece is evenly coated.
- Add Butter (Optional): Melt the butter and drizzle it over the chicken or vegetables to add richness and help with browning during roasting.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the seasoned chicken or vegetables on a baking sheet, spreading them out evenly to ensure they roast rather than steam.
- Roast: Roast the dish in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes. The exact time depends on the choice of protein or vegetables — roast until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Add Lemon: After removing from the oven, immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted chicken or vegetables to add bright acidity and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot, optionally garnished with additional fresh herbs for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh herbs rather than dried; rosemary and thyme both work wonderfully.
- Adjust roasting time based on your oven and size of the chicken or density of vegetables.
- The addition of butter is optional but helps to brown the chicken skin or vegetables beautifully.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to different seasonal vegetables or herbs you have on hand.
- Rest the chicken for 10 minutes after roasting before carving to retain juices.
