Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsAnnie Gunn's RestaurantNatural Half Chicken Recipe

Natural Half Chicken Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves4

Roasted and served with Vegetable Pan Gravy and Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes

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Ingredients

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For the Roasted Half Chicken

For the Vegetable Pan Gravy

For the Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes

Method

For the Roasted Half Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Chicken

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken halves under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season the Chicken

    Rub the chicken halves with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chopped rosemary, and lemon zest.

  3. 3

    Roast the Chicken

    Place the seasoned chicken halves in a roasting pan, skin side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

  4. 4

    Rest the Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

For the Vegetable Pan Gravy

  1. 5

    Collect Chicken Drippings

    After removing the chicken from the roasting pan, pour the drippings into a measuring cup, ensuring to keep the solids behind.

  2. 6

    Sauté the Vegetables

    In the same pan, add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

  3. 7

    Make the Gravy

    Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken drippings and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer while stirring until the gravy thickens. Add fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the Whipped Yukon Gold Potatoes

  1. 8

    Boil the Potatoes

    In a large pot, cover the quartered Yukon Gold potatoes with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

  2. 9

    Whip the Potatoes

    Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Use a potato masher or mixer to whip until smooth and creamy.

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