Roast Chicken with Rosemary-Garlic Paste

Ingredients for Roast Chicken with Rosemary-Garlic Paste

• 1/4 cup (loosely packed) fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped, plus 3 whole fresh rosemary sprigs

• 5 juniper berries*

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns

• 3/4 teaspoons fine sea salt or coarse kosher salt

• 20ml olive oil

• 1 5- to 2.7kg whole chicken (preferably organic), backbone and neck removed (reserved for Light Homemade Chicken Stock , if making)

How to make Roast Chicken with Rosemary-Garlic Paste

Combine chopped rosemary and next 4 ingredients in mortar and crush with pestle or blend in mini processor until coarse paste forms. Mix in oil. Rinse chicken; pat dry. Rub 1 teaspoon herb mixture over bone side of chicken. Turn chicken over and open like book; place chicken, skin side up, on work surface. Loosen skin from breast and thigh meat; rub remaining herb mixture over meat under skin. Rub any remaining herb mixture on outside of chicken.

Place rosemary sprigs in 13x9x2-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Place chicken, skin side up, atop rosemary sprigs in dish. DO AHEAD: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before roasting.

Position rack in centre of oven and preheat to 204°C. Roast chicken uncovered until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 77°C, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer chicken to platter and serve.

*Available in the spice section of most supermarkets.

Chardonnay is a good match for this menu. In keeping with the spirit of this earth-friendly dinner, go with a domestic bottle. We like the 2006 Frog's Leap Chardonnay ($24) from Napa, which has bright citrus and stone fruit flavours.

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While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.