Roasted Lemon Balm Chicken

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Chicken whole (about 2-2.5 kg)
2. Lemon balm fresh or dried (1/4 cup)
3. Extra virgin olive oil (3 tbsp)
4. Salt (1 tsp)
5. Black pepper (1/2 tsp, freshly ground)
6. Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp)
7. Butter (2 tbsp, optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 45-55 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Clean the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix lemon balm, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Rub the chicken cavity and the skin with the lemon balm mixture.
5. Truss the chicken (tie up the legs and wings to keep them in place).
6. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and add butter on top (if using).
7. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Nutritional Information: (Based on estimated values)

• Calories: 600-700 (depending on the weight of the chicken and other factors)
• Fat: 30-40g
• Protein: 45-55g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g (from lemon balm and any added sugar in lemon juice)

Dish Characteristics:

• The dish combines the rich flavor of chicken with the unique aroma of lemon balm, resulting in a unique and refreshing taste.
• The lemon balm gives the chicken a slight citrusy flavor that pairs well with the rich meat.
• The dish is simple yet elegant, making it suitable for special occasions or dinner parties.

User Comments:

1. "The lemon balm gave the chicken a unique flavor. It was delicious!" - John Doe
2. "I loved the combination of flavors. The chicken was moist and flavorful." - Jane Smith
3. "The dish was beautiful and presented well. It was a hit at my dinner party." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh lemon balm for best results. If not available, dried lemon balm can be used but may not yield the same fresh flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste. Lemon balm can have a strong flavor, so start with less and add more if needed.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the oven to ensure safety and proper texture.