Roast chicken with hearty New England style ground beef stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots and salad made up our meal. I often prepare this same menu for my family because whole chickens are so economical. I've experimented with a variety of cooking methods and found clay pot roasting makes the most moist and luscious tasting chicken. Clay pot bakers come in a variety of sizes and consist of a top and bottom piece. Both pieces are soaked in water for 20-30 before roasting so that the clay has time to absorb moisture.
Roast chicken comes out perfectly every time.
Pour out the water and set aside. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Press half of the garlic into a small bowl. Slice the other half of the garlic and set aside. Using a flat hand held grater, grate the lemon zest from the lemon into the same bowl as the garlic.