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Andrew Zimmern’s Go-To Dinner: Grandma’s Roast Chicken
When it comes to celebrity chefs and their favorite recipes, Andrew Zimmern stands out for his adventurous palate and culinary expertise. Known for his travels and gastronomic explorations on “Bizarre Foods,” Zimmern has a wide range of culinary experiences under his belt. But when it comes to his go-to dinner, he keeps it simple and comforting. Zimmern’s most common dish, especially when he’s cooking for his family, is none other than his grandmother’s roast chicken.
A family-friendly classic
Family dinners often call for dishes that are easy to prepare, universally appealing, and require minimal cleanup. Zimmern’s choice of roast chicken checks all those boxes. In an interview with Parade, Zimmern revealed that his grandmother’s roast chicken is his favorite family dinner recipe. In fact, he described it as the dish he makes most often. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal and versatility of this classic comfort food.
Roasting with a twist
What sets Zimmern’s roast chicken apart is his unique cooking method. While many would opt for the oven, Zimmern takes it a step further and cooks his fried chicken in the fireplace. While this may not be a typical practice for the average home cook, Zimmern’s love for the fire-kissed flavor is evident. He hangs the chickens on strings in the fireplace or places them on large racks that go into the oven, creating a memorable and delicious meal.
Simple and tasty
Zimmern’s grandmother’s recipe for fried chicken is simple yet delicious. The main ingredients are a three-pound chicken, fresh herbs, garlic, butter, paprika, and quartered onions. The chicken is stuffed with aromatic herbs and garlic, coated with butter and paprika, and then roasted to perfection over the bed of onions. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy skin and succulent meat.
How to Make Grandma’s Roast Chicken
If you’d like to try Andrew Zimmern’s go-to dinner for yourself, here’s a simplified version of his grandmother’s roast chicken recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Take a three-pound chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with your choice of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and sage, along with a few cloves of garlic.
- Rub the outside of the chicken with softened butter and sprinkle with paprika for added flavor and color.
- Place quartered onions in a roasting pan and place chicken on top.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
- Serve the roasted chicken with the caramelized onions and your favorite side dishes.
A crowd-pleasing favorite
Andrew Zimmern’s Grandmother’s Roast Chicken is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re a fan of Zimmern’s culinary adventures or simply looking for a delicious and reliable dinner option, this roast chicken recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s a dish that combines the warmth of family traditions with the comforting flavors of a well-prepared meal. So gather your loved ones, fire up the oven or fireplace, and enjoy a memorable feast with Andrew Zimmern’s go-to dinner: Grandma’s Roast Chicken.
FAQS
Why does Andrew Zimmern most often make his grandmother’s roast chicken?
Andrew Zimmern considers his grandmother’s roast chicken to be his favorite family dinner recipe. He loves the simplicity, broad appeal and minimal cleanup of this classic dish.
What makes Andrew Zimmern’s fried chicken unique?
Andrew Zimmern takes his fried chicken to the next level by cooking it in a fireplace. This unconventional method adds a fire-kissed flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Can I make Andrew Zimmern’s Roast Chicken in the oven instead of the fireplace?
Absolutely! While Andrew Zimmern cooks his Roast Chicken in the fireplace, you can achieve delicious results by roasting it in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C).
What herbs can I use to stuff the roast chicken?
Andrew Zimmern suggests using aromatic herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage to stuff the cavity of the chicken before roasting. These herbs infuse the meat with wonderful flavors.
How long should I roast the chicken?
Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I serve with Andrew Zimmern’s Roast Chicken?
Andrew Zimmern’s Roast Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.