The Smallest Library and Herb Citrus Roasted Chicken

Happy first day of Fall! It was in the 70's today and we were in shorts but it's still Fall!

Today, I went food shopping at 9:30am and the store was empty - the perfect time to shop. I got home in time to go for a run and wash the car all before 1pm. Yes, I washed the car. The only reason why I wash the car now is because a) we have space and b)we have a hose to actually do it. 

I worked on a craft today that is not finished but here is a sneak peak. 

No Sew Curtains. So easy!! When I finish, I'll show you the full project. 

Evie and I took a walk today and found the smallest library every

Cute idea, huh!? 

Chillin' in the park

For dinner, I made a Pinterest recipe - Herb & Citrus Roasted Chicken. 

It required a lot of ingredients to make it but it was super easy to make. 

Before

After

It was really good! The "sauce" you make to marinate the chicken in is delish. 

This is a good "Sunday Dinner" recipe!

Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken

YIELD: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sugar

2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced

2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry

1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced

1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped

1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped

Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper.

Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. (If you marinated the chicken in this mixture, still add it all in). Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.

Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Enjoy!

Just 30-40 minutes is all that's needed to bake this recipe with chicken breasts in place of chicken parts.

For best results, chicken can be marinated in a plastic container or bag for several hours or overnight in the olive oil mixture.

This is great served with a big salad, and/or lemon orzo/potatoes, or garlic bread!

You can also switch up the seasonings to a spicy mix and toss in lemons and limes instead of oranges. Swap cilantro for the rosemary and thyme. Serve it over rice, maybe? No need to be a recipe robot – get creative!