2tablespoonherbs(any combination of (sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro) - chopped)
lemon zest(zest of 1 lemon)
2tablespoonlemon juice(fresh lemon juice)
4tablespoongrape-seed oil(extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
First, combine all the ingredients except the oil, then drizzle the oil in slowly while whisking.
Roasting the chicken
Butterfly or spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone. Whether or not you rinse chicken, it should be completely dry before baking. Pat dry with paper towels.
Add sliced onions and fresh garlic to baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Lay the chicken on top of the bed of onions and garlic. Add white wine or chicken broth to the baking sheet with the breast side up and pour the vinaigrette over the chicken. Rub the vinaigrette into the chicken making sure it's fully coated. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Place the chicken in the oven and bake at 425 degrees for the first 30 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the pan juices all over the chicken.
Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or so. Check for doneness by inserting an internal thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, it's done. Spoon the pan juices over the entire chicken again. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes or so and serve.
Notes
Whether or not you wash your chicken, it should be completely dried before adding the herb mixing.
When making the herb mixture, you can use extra virgin olive oil or grape-seed oil.
After removing the backbone, discard or place it in a freezer ziploc back and use it to make homemade chicken stock at a later date.
The bed of onions and garlic enhances the flavor of the pan juices and makes it even more delicious.
By baking at 425 degrees for the first 30 minutes before lowering to 400 degrees will start the skin to brown. The end result will be beautiful golden brown skin.
This simple herb vinaigrette makes a great salad dressing.