Granny's Slow-baked Chicken
Serves: Serves 6
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 3 Hours 30 Minutes
Ready In: 3 hrs 40 mins
Ingredients
4 lb - free-range chicken1 tablespoon - olive oil
- salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 large - head of garlic
1 - lemon
4-5 sprigs - fresh thyme
2-3 sprigs - fresh rosemary
Directions
- Rub the skin of the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle it with salt and pepper on all sides. Tie the legs together, and place it, breast-side up, in a large cast-iron cocotte (Dutch Oven or casserole dish).
- Peel the outer layers off the head of garlic and separate the individual cloves (don't peel the cloves themselves). Cut the lemon into 4 quarters. Arrange the garlic, lemon, and herbs around the chicken. Put the lid on the dish and place it into a cold (not preheated) oven. Turn the oven to Mk2 - 150°C - 300°F.
- Bake for three hours, or until cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it in the inner part of a thigh, but not touching the bone. The chicken is done when the thermometer registers 82°C - 180°F. Baste the chicken with its own juices every 45 minutes or so.
- If the skin of the chicken is still rather pale, remove the lid, turn the oven up to hot (Mk7 - 425°F - 220°C) or switch to the grill mode, and put the pot back in for 20 to 30 minutes, watching it closely, until the chicken is nicely golden.
- Place the chicken onto a cutting board, carve the different serving parts, and place in a warm serving dish. Transfer the juices, herbs, and softened garlic cloves to a sauce dish and serve immediately, with mashed potatoes and Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries.