If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor, this Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin Recipe is an absolute winner. The magic happens as fresh tarragon infuses the tender chicken, while that irresistible crispy skin brings both texture and eye-catching appeal to your dinner table. It’s a recipe that feels special yet accessible, perfect for impressing family, friends, or just treating yourself to a fabulous home-cooked meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully straightforward with ingredients that work harmoniously to create a deliciously moist and aromatic chicken, accompanied by perfectly crisp skin. Each component plays a key role in balancing flavor, moisture, and that much-loved golden finish.
- Whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): The centerpiece of the dish, ensuring plenty of juicy meat, perfect for sharing.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps create that stunning crispy skin while adding richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers a warm and savory depth that compliments the fresh herbs beautifully.
- Fresh tarragon (3 tablespoons, chopped) or dried (1 tablespoon): Brings that distinctive anise-like aroma, elevating the flavor profile.
- Lemon (1, cut into wedges): Adds brightness and a subtle zing that balances the herbs and richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
- Chicken broth (1 cup, low-sodium): Keeps the chicken moist during roasting and creates a base for luscious pan juices.
- Optional fresh tarragon sprigs: Make for a beautiful, fragrant garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Set your oven to a high 425°F (220°C) to ensure that crispy skin everyone dreams of. Meanwhile, take the chicken out of its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving that golden, crackling skin.
Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Tarragon Rub
Combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped tarragon in a small bowl. This aromatic mixture will infuse the chicken inside and out, creating layers of herbal goodness that sing with every bite.
Step 3: Rub and Season the Chicken Thoroughly
Generously rub the tarragon mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin as well. This helps distribute flavor closer to the meat itself, resulting in juicy, well-seasoned chicken throughout.
Step 4: Add Lemon Wedges for Brightness
Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges to add a gentle citrus aroma while roasting. The lemon steam gently mingles with the tarragon, enhancing the complexity of flavors without overpowering the subtle herb notes.
Step 5: Prepare Chicken for Roasting
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan — this prevents drying and helps keep the meat succulent throughout its long roast.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Roast the chicken in your preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The goal is a crispy, golden-brown skin and meat that reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh ensures food safety without sacrificing juiciness.
Step 7: Rest and Carve
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after roasting. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice stays moist and tender. Then carve your masterpiece and drizzle with pan juices for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs if you like, for a pretty, fragrant finish.
How to Serve Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sprigs of tarragon add a vibrant splash of color and boost the herbal notes already present in the chicken. A few lemon wedges on the side offer an optional zest boost for those who love a citrusy kick to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes or a refreshing green salad. Creamy mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad can complement the richness of the chicken beautifully, making your meal feel both balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the roast chicken sliced on a rustic wooden board surrounded by roasted lemon halves and a drizzle of pan jus. Alternatively, plate it alongside seasonal greens tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette to echo the chicken’s fresh, tangy notes. Presentation can make a lovely meal feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delicious dinner, store leftover chicken in an airtight container once it cools to room temperature. Refrigerate promptly to keep it safe and flavorful for up to 3 days. The skin won’t stay crispy, but the moist, tarragon-infused meat will still be delightful.
Freezing
To enjoy the dish later, freeze leftover chicken pieces in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. It’s best to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and to maintain flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover chicken gently in an oven set to about 325°F (160°C), loosely covered with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave for convenience, but keep in mind the skin will no longer be crispy. A quick pan-sear after reheating can help revive some texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried tarragon works well in this recipe, just use about one-third of the amount of fresh tarragon called for. While fresh has a brighter, more aromatic flavor, dried tarragon still imparts that lovely herbal essence to the chicken.
How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?
Patting the chicken skin dry before seasoning is key, as moisture prevents crispiness. Also, roasting at a high temperature and using olive oil all help to achieve a beautifully golden, crackling skin.
Is it necessary to stuff lemon inside the chicken?
While not essential, stuffing the chicken cavity with lemon wedges adds subtle citrus steam that complements the tarragon beautifully, brightening up the overall flavor of the roast.
Can I make this recipe with chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! Chicken pieces will cook faster and can still be flavored with the tarragon mixture. Just adjust roasting time accordingly and ensure each piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What should I do if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, roast the chicken until juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh and the skin is nicely browned. However, investing in a meat thermometer is highly recommended for perfect, safe results every time.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin Recipe is a true celebration of flavor and texture, combining the herbal freshness of tarragon with the comfort of succulent roasted chicken and crispy skin. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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Roast Tarragon Chicken with Crispy Skin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Roast Tarragon Chicken recipe delivers a succulent whole chicken with irresistibly crispy skin and a fragrant hint of fresh tarragon. Perfect for an impressive yet straightforward dinner, the chicken is seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and lemon, then roasted to golden perfection, ensuring moist and flavorful meat every time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried tarragon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Roasting Liquid
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh tarragon sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken at a high temperature ensuring crispy skin.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to promote crispiness during roasting.
- Make the Tarragon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh tarragon, mixing well to create a flavorful rub.
- Season the Chicken: Rub the tarragon mixture evenly all over the chicken, including under the skin for deeper infusion of flavors.
- Stuff the Chicken: Place lemon wedges inside the chicken cavity to add a fresh citrus aroma and juiciness as it roasts.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan and pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Roast the Chicken: Put the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to ensure it reaches the safe cooking temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for approximately 10 minutes to let the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it with the drizzled pan juices and optionally garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before applying the seasoning is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Using fresh tarragon enhances flavor, but dried tarragon can be a suitable substitute.
- Resting the chicken after roasting ensures juicier slices when carving.
- Chicken broth in the roasting pan helps keep the meat moist and collects flavorful pan juices for serving.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure food safety.
