Free-range organic chicken deserves a preparation that honours its quality — a fragrant crust of garden herbs, a quick sear for colour, and a gentle finish in the oven alongside seasonal root vegetables from partner farms.
Ingredients
- 4 organic free-range chicken breasts (approx. 180 g each)
- 2 tbsp fresh organic rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh organic thyme leaves
- 4 cloves organic garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
- 3 tbsp cold-pressed organic olive oil
- 500 g mixed organic root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, baby potatoes), cut into bite-size pieces
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, two tablespoons of olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a clean towel and press the herb mixture firmly onto both sides of each breast, creating an even, fragrant crust.
Toss the root vegetables with the remaining olive oil and season lightly. Spread them in a single layer across a large roasting tray and nestle them in so they have room to caramelise rather than steam.
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for two minutes on each side until the herb crust turns golden and aromatic. Transfer the breasts onto the bed of root vegetables in the roasting tray.
Roast for twenty-five to thirty minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74 degrees Celsius and the vegetables are tender with caramelised edges. Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing — this keeps the juices locked inside.
Good chicken from well-raised birds needs very little — herbs from the garden, vegetables from the same soil, and patience in the oven. That is the whole philosophy.
Serve family-style on a large platter with a simple side salad of organic mixed greens dressed in lemon juice and olive oil. This recipe pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of organic white wine for a weeknight dinner that feels quietly celebratory.
