Top 10 - Roasted Garlic Chicken

It has been AGES since I've posted about wanting to create a Top 10 list of easy go-to recipes that are tried and true hits in our household. In fact, it's been so long that I think I would have to go back through my blog to see what has actually made the list. From memory, I think there are only 2 that I officially put on the list -

Baked Ziti
-and-
Brown Sugar Basil Pork Chops

I definitely think the Sweet & Sour Chicken a la Caili deserves a spot on the list as well... and I think the only thing holding me back from adding it was the hour-long cooking time. But, the recipe I'm posting here today has quickly become a favorite of mine and it's also not the fastest dinner in the world, so since it's my list, I'm adding them both!

I found this recipe flipping through all of my cooking magazines while trying to find something easy and tasty to make for Manda's confirmation dinner. We had my parents, Manda, and my gramma over that night to celebrate, and the chicken was a hit! Dan and I have had it for dinner once or twice since - it works out perfectly when he's able to get it in the marinade before he leaves for work, and I can pop it in the oven when I get home.

Before I jump into the recipe, can I just say that I cannot BELIEVE my little Manda made her confirmation!! She's not a little kid anymore, and it's always holidays and special occasions when it hits me that she's almost in high school. We realized the other day that my 30th birthday and her 16th are just 2 days apart, and although it's 3 years off (thank God!), we're already discussing a huge party and possibly taking a trip together to celebrate.


Here's the latest addition to the Top 10 list, straight from a new favorite - Food Network Magazine.

Roasted Garlic Chicken
1 head garlic, peeled
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
3 or 4 dried red chile peppers, crushed (I use chili powder - I'm cheap like that)
Kosher salt
4 pounds bone-in chicken parts, or one 4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces (I use bone-in chicken breasts - we like white meat and they come in handy 2 packs at the store down the block!)

1. Mince one clove of garlic and smash the rest.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, add the chicken and toss to coat.
3. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
4. Preheat oven to 450. Arrange chicken in a roasting pan and pour extra marinade over it. Roast for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Garnish with extra oregano if desired.


A few things I learned while making this dish:
1. Fresh oregano is worth the additional cost for this chicken... I really should get one of those little herb garden window boxes so I can grow my own!
2. Throwing on the broiler for the last couple minutes of cooking helps get the beautiful browned skin that makes this look even more delicious.
3. Garlic mashed potatoes and green beans make PERFECT sides for this chicken.
4. Rubbing wet hands on a stainless steel kitchen faucet will help rid them of the garlic smell you're sure to get from peeling a whole head of it!

Original recipe and image from Food Network