Rosemary Balsamic Roast Chicken

2/27/18

Balsamic Rosemary Roasted Chicken is an easy recipe that adds plenty of flavor for a simple but special Sunday dinner. Everyone should know how to roast chicken, and this tasty version will become a new family favorite version of a classic comfort food that is also naturally gluten-free, low carb, and paleo.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but there’s something about roast chicken that makes it a celebration meal to me. It doesn’t take a ton of time or effort, but it’s not something that I often have time to make on a busy weeknight.

And in the craziness of life, I am more likely to just make it in my crockpot, like this Lemon Herb Slow Cooker Roast Chicken, or just grab a rotisserie chicken when I am at Costco.

I made this to celebrate when The Hubby started a new job. Yes, this is one of my older recipes. In fact, it’s so old I’m guessing that most of you haven’t ever seen it. It’s from back when about three people read my blog.

So I thought I would bring it back out. The crazy thing is that these are the original pictures, and they aren’t half bad. I just re-edited to brighten up the colors a bit, since I really had no clue how to do any of that back in 2012, and it looked like a chicken hiding in the shadows.

Anyway, I remember being super excited for him! He had been looking for a new opportunity for a while, and he really deserved the promotion. The crazy thing is that since then he left that company completely and we moved from New Jersey to Maryland for a totally different job. And to be honest, I think while the kids were still spending a few days at my mom’s, he and I celebrated with a grocery store roasted chicken.

On both occasions it was a cool, cloudy day – the perfect day to roast a chicken for dinner…

Balsamic Rosemary Roasted Chicken Recipe

My family does not really have gravy-lovers, so when I am making a chicken, I like to do as much as I can to infuse flavor and moisture. This Rosemary Balsamic Chicken recipe is all about one of my favorite ingredients – balsamic vinegar.

The strong flavor infused into the chicken, and provide a slightly sweet and tangy glaze. It’s so simple to make, and the hardest part is distracting yourself for a couple of hours while amazing aromas are coming out of your oven. Everyone loves roast chicken, but as an added bonus, this roasemary balsamic roast chicken happens to be gluten-free, low carb, paleo, and Whole 30 compliant!

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

Ingredients

• Roasting chicken (about 5-8 lbs)
• Onion
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Rosemary – dried or fresh
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

BRIANNE RECOMMENDS:

This All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan is an investment, but a worthwhile one. It can fit one or two chickens, a turkey, or a prime rib. It has a non-stick rack, distributes the heat evenly, and cleans up easily. It will also last for years to come. I’ve bought cheaper ones over the years and had them warp, chip, and get bits burned to the bottom.

A good Instant Read Thermometer is also great for everything from roasting chickens to grilling steaks, and even checking if your banana bread is done.

Directions overview – scroll to the recipe card for the full set of instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Set your chicken on a rack and place a quartered onion inside the cavity.
3. Stir a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
4. Pour it under the skin, inside the cavity, and over the top of the chicken.
5. Roast for 30 minutes. Reduce oven to 350°F, and roast for an additional 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your chicken, or until the breast meat registers 165°F and the thighs register 180°F on an instant-read thermometer. If the skin is browning to quickly, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil.
6. Let rest before carving.

Make it a Meal

Classic Sunday Chicken Dinner

• Parmesan Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes 
• Honey Roasted Carrots
• Creamy Skillet Green Beans and Mushrooms

Keto Roast Chicken Menu

• Whipped Cauliflower Gratin
• Lemon Green Beans and Mushrooms
• Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta

Paleo or Whole 30 Meal with Roasted Chicken

• Balsamic Roast Vegetables
• Browned Butter Mashed Butternut Squash (prepared with ghee)
• Baked Sweet Potatoes

Brianne’s pro recipe tips

If you aren’t making gravy, grab a bottle of thick aged balsamic vinegar to drizzle over for serving. Or try it with Cranberry Balsamic Ketchup!

But my main suggestion is that because this chicken recipe is so easy, you should make two! Grab a couple of chickens when they are on sale, and roast both of them at the same time.

Why? Well, it only adds an extra couple minutes to your prep time, and then you can turn it into all kinds of lunches and dinners to have for the week. Perfect for meal prep!

What to make with leftover roast chicken

You can always chop up the leftover Balsamic Rosemary Roasted Chicken to make a Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad or pile on some lettuce with Creamy Balsamic Dressing. But there are so many more options.

Easy leftover chicken dinners

• Greek Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• BBQ Chicken Tostadas
• Chicken Corn Chowder
• French Spaghetti from Wine and Glue
• Easy Chicken and Rice Soup from Two Peas and Their Pod

Meal prep lunches

• Mediterranean Chicken Pinwheels
• Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Apples
• Waldorf Chicken Salad
• Baby Arugula Chopped Salad from Kalyn’s Kitchen

More balsamic-flavored main dishes

• Rosemary Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak
• Honey Balsamic Glazed Steak Bites
• Slow Cooker Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes and Basil
• Crockpot Balsamic Beef Pot Roast

Print Recipe

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Rosemary Balsamic Roast Chicken

An easy recipe to add plenty of flavor to your basic roasted chicken with basic pantry ingredients and a simple technique. Classic and healthy comfort food everyone loves. Plus it is naturally gluten free, low carb, and paleo.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time2 hrs

Total Time2 hrs 20 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roast chicken, roasted balsamic chicken, rosemary chicken

Servings: 6

Calories: 370kcal

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Ingredients

• one roasting chicken (about 5-8 lbs)
• 1 medium or half of a large onion
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or about 3 teaspoons fresh
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• a few grinds of black pepper
• Optional thick aged balsamic vinegar or regular balsamic vinegar, reduced to a syrup, for serving

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Remove the giblets from the chicken, pat dry with paper towels, and place on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Cut the onion into about 4 chunks and place inside the cavity of the chicken.
• Combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Use your fingers to separate the skin from the breast and pour some of the vinegar mixture under the skin. Pour the remaining mixture inside the cavity and rub some over the outside of the skin.
• Put the chicken in the oven for 30 minutes. Reduce oven to 350°F, and roast for an additional 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your chicken, or until the breast meat registers 165°F and the thighs register 180°F on an instant-read thermometer. If the skin is browning to quickly, cover lightly with a tent of aluminum foil.
• Let rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
• If desired, drizzle with the aged or reduced balsamic vinegar for serving.

Tried this recipe?Mention @cupcakekalechip or tag #cupcakesandkalechips!

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 868mg | Potassium: 273mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1075IU | Vitamin C: 3.1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2.1mg

Enjoy!