Thyme, Oregano & Lemon Zest Rubbed Chicken

At the supermarket I was ‘savings spotting’ and saw a bargain in these chicken hindquarters at about half price to normal.  The darker meat of the chicken has a richer flavour and is beautiful when infused with herbs & zest, then roasted.  In my pantry I always have some mini potatoes, baby spinach and a few lemons and the asparagus was so fresh it was hard to resist (but you could sub in steamed sugar snaps or green beans - you’re just after a fresh & healthy steamed veg add-in).

Thyme, Oregano & Lemon Zest Rubbed Chicken

4 chicken hindquarters

Fresh thyme & oregano

1 lemon

Olive oil

Seasoning

Bunch of asparagus

Fingerling potatoes

Baby spinach

Minced garlic

Knob of butter

To create your rub, simply chop your herbs, zest your lemon and add these to a small bowl with a good glug of olive oil, generous seasoning and the juice of half the lemon.  Combine & rub into your hindquarters to marinate for 1 hr in the fridge.

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F and drizzle a little oil into your roasting tray before adding your flavour-infused hindquarters.  Bake for 40-45 mins until you see the flesh begin to come away from the bone at the leg and you have a lovely golden glow through the skin.

In the mean time, get a pot of water on the boil and add your potatoes when there’s 20mins left on your timer until the chicken is ready.  Time for your obligatory glass of wine - try a sauvignon blanc.  Boil these for 5-10 mins then add your asparagus to the pot (dependent on how thick your spears are, cooking should be 5-10mins).  Drain potatoes and asparagus, keeping the asparagus to one side, and return your spuds to the pot where you’ll then add a knob of butter, ½ tsp of finely minced garlic (from a jar is A-OK), seasoning and four good handfuls of baby spinach.  Pop on the lid and give the pot a good shake then leave to one side while you serve up.

Plate up with the steamed potatoes & wilted spinach down first, then rest your hindquarter on top, with the asparagus resting to one side.  Be sure to lap up all of those delicious pan juices from the chicken and spoon over your chicken.

ENJOY! 

| SIMPLE | DELICIOUS | NO-FUSS | 

Try it and let me know what you think!  

Daisy Angela x

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