Chef Corbin Tomaszeski whips up a family favourite with this recipe for Lemon and Thyme Roast Chicken.

Family Favourite Lemon and Thyme Roast Chicken with Bourbon Mustard Glaze and Garden Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole 4 lb. chicken, trimmed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 Tbsp paprika
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 whole sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 lemons, cut in half
  • 1 whole white onion, peeled  (approximately three inches in diametre)
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • Dash of Tabasco
  • 1 lb. red skinned potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 whole carrots, chopped into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 whole parsnips, chopped into 2-inch pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with absorbent paper towel.

Place the bird onto a large piece of parchment paper. Carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast flesh and rub the softened unsalted butter between the skin and flesh side of the chicken.

Place one piece of the fresh thyme between the skin side and flesh side of the chicken breast.   Place the remaining two sprigs of thyme inside the chicken cavity with the whole onion and one half of the fresh lemon.  Season the entire bird with olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper and juice from the remaining half of the fresh lemon. Mix all the glaze ingredients and brush on top of the chicken.

Place the chicken breast side down into your counter top slow cooker.  Toss the potatoes, carrots and parsnip with salt and pepper and add to the roasting pan with the whole seasoned chicken. Cover the slow top cooker with a lid a turn in to low heat.  Roast the chicken for up to eight hours.  Roast the chicken until the juices run clear from the bird and the internal temperature reaches 165 F (73 C) from an instant read thermometer. 

Remove the roasted chicken from the cooker and allow to rest 20 minutes Cover lightly with aluminum foil and tent lightly. Cut the chicken into small pieces and serve while still warm.

Accompany this family favourite with a fresh chopped salad and enjoy. 

Makes 4 servings.