7/15/11

Lemon and Herb Roaster Chicken with Country Lemon Sauce








"Bridesmaids" is without question the funniest movie released this year. A group of young woman take us movie fans on a crazy, comical, and fun ride through the rituals of matrimony. Kristen Wiig from SNL plays Annie a maid of honor who is facing some issues of her own. A must-see for comedy buffs.

Our recipe for Lemon and Herb Roaster Chicken with Country Lemon Sauce celebrates all things perfect for a bride's special day. Down-home goodness done with class and style, like our "Bridesmaids," good to the very end!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1 Roaster Chicken (over 5 lbs) clean, and remove excess fat, pat dry - Set aside chicken neck, liver, and gizzard.

Rub for Roaster Chicken
Mix in a bowl - 
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 Tablespoon Marjoram
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
Juice from 2 lemons
2 Tablespoons lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon freshly grounded black pepper

For bottom of roaster -
3 cups water
2 Tablespoons liquid smoke 

Use your hands to rub all the mixture on the inside and outside of roaster chicken.  Place in roaster pan on the rack. Add water and liquid smoke to bottom of pan. Cover and bake for 1-1/2 hours. Remove cover and return to oven for 30 minutes.

Country Lemon Sauce
While roaster chicken is baking, prepare the Country Lemon Sauce.
Add the the following to a large sauce pan over high heat.

4 cups water
Neck, liver and gizzard from roaster chicken
1/3 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup chopped celery
3 chopped garlic cloves
1/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken stock

After the pot boils, reduce heat and let cook for 1 hour.

After the hour, remove neck, liver and gizzard. Chop meat and remove all bones, set aside.

Add the following to a clean sauce over high heat:

2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
Stir consistently. After butter browns slightly, add the neck, liver, gizzard and all the liquid from the Country Lemon Sauce pot. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and let simmer for 12 minutes.

Serves 8

(2010)