Bonjour mes chers amis! I’m Jacqueline Costa and I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite chicken recipes: A French Touch Herbes de Provence Rotisserie Chicken Recipe! With its irresistible aroma, savory stuffing, and juicy meat that practically melts in your mouth, this chicken dish is sure to leave you and your loved ones absolutely delighted!
Jacqueline is a creative writer and art enthusiast from the small town of Cascais, Portugal. After earning a degree in literature and traveling the world, she settled down in Paris to pursue a career in blogging.
Jacqueline Costa currently resides in France and grew up in Portugal.
As a proud Portugese expat living in the heart of France, I’m always seeking new ways to expand my culinary horizons and immerse myself in the rich gastronomy of my adopted home. In fact, I first discovered this recipe while on a trip through the picturesque region of Provence, where the sight of plump rotisserie chickens slowly turning over an open flame is enough to make anybody’s mouth water. My very first bite was a revelation, and I’ve been making it ever since.
The Herbes de Provence blend has been a staple of French cuisine for centuries, and if you’re not familiar with it yet, you’re definitely missing out! Consisting of a fragrant medley of Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram, it’s the perfect complement to this succulent rotisserie chicken. Fun fact: Did you know that it’s said that this blend was named after the famous French region where it originated from? And that many of the wild herbs that go into it are still gathered today in the rolling fields of the French countryside? So if you ever find yourself in that neck of the woods, be sure to take a moment and appreciate the history and wonder that went into every delicious pinch of Herbes de Provence that you sneak into your recipes!
What you need
This Herbes de Provence Rotisserie Chicken is one of my favorite chicken dishes. The juicy, crispy-skinned chicken is infused with an incredibly fragrant and unique blend of herbs and spices, and the stuffing of onions, garlic, thyme, and rosemary adds flavor and moisture to every bite. The exciting part is that this recipe does not require any fancy ingredients or equipment, you just need a good-quality chicken, some basic kitchen condiments, and a Rotisserie Oven. The process is straightforward: season the chicken, stuff it with onion and herbs, baste it during cooking, and roast it to perfection. The result is a delicious and fragrant chicken that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for a family dinner, a special occasion, or a casual get-together. It’s a dish that is both easy to make and sure to impress, so give it a try and enjoy the mouth-watering flavors of Southern France!
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken – The star of the show, a good quality chicken will ensure a juicy and tender end-result. You can swap with skin-on chicken pieces if you prefer.
- Kosher salt – Brings out the flavor of the chicken and helps to crisp up the skin. You can swap with regular salt.
- Herbes de Provence – A unique herb blend that is typical in the Provencal cuisine, consisting of savory, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and oregano. It adds a unique and fragrant flavor to the chicken. You can swap with Italian herb blend if needed.
- Black pepper – Adds heat and subtle flavor to the chicken. You can swap with white pepper.
- Olive oil – Helps to keep the chicken moist and tender, and adds a subtle flavor. You can swap with vegetable oil or melted butter.
- Garlic – Adds a pungent and sweet flavor to the chicken. You can swap with garlic powder.
- Lemon – The acidity in lemon juice helps to tenderize the chicken, and adds a tangy and refreshing flavor. You can swap with orange juice.
- Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. You can swap with shallots.
- Thyme – A fragrant herb that adds a unique flavor and aroma to the dish. You can swap with dried thyme.
- Rosemary – A strong herb that adds a bold and unique flavor to the dish. You can swap with dried rosemary.
Utensils:
- Rotisserie Oven – Required to cook the chicken to the desired doneness. You can also substitute with a regular oven and a roasting pan with a rack.
- Kitchen twine – Required to tie the chicken together and keep it in a compact shape while cooking. You can use toothpicks if you do not have kitchen twine.
- Basting brush – Required to apply the olive oil and lemon juice mixture onto the chicken while it cooks. You can use a spoon if you do not have a basting brush.
- Cutting board – Required to cut the onions and garlic. Make sure to use different cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
- Knife – Required to cut the onions, garlic, and lemon. Make sure to use a sharp knife to avoid slipping while cutting.
- Aluminum foil – Required to cover the chicken while it rests. This helps to redistribute the juices and keeps the chicken warm while you prepare the side dishes.
Herbes de Provence
As a food blogger, I love experimenting with different types of herbs and spices in my recipes, and Herbes de Provence is definitely a standout. This unique blend is typically used in French cuisine and comprises of savory, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and oregano. The Herbes de Provence add such a unique and fragrant flavor to the rotisserie chicken recipe which can’t be found in any other herb blend. The herb mixture is bold enough to add depth to the chicken but still subtle enough to maintain its juicy flavors. Additionally, Herbes de Provence are packed with antioxidants, which are beneficial in various ways, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. The herbs also have antiseptic properties that can help in fighting off viral and bacterial infections. I believe Herbes de Provence are a great addition to any kitchen, whether you’re cooking chicken, fish, vegetables or anything in between.
Onions
While onions might seem like a common and basic ingredient, they should never be underestimated. As a food blogger, I personally love using onions in my recipes as they add depth and sweetness to dishes. In this Rotisserie Chicken Recipe, I include chopped onions as an aromatic base that provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. Additionally, onions are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help in fighting various diseases. Onions are also high in Vitamin C and fiber, making them a healthy natural remedy to boost the immune system and promote good digestion. The downside to onions is that they can make us teary-eyed when we cut them, but let that not discourage you from using them in this recipe, the flavorful result is definitely worth the tears in the kitchen!
What to serve it with?
Now, you’re probably wondering what to serve with this delectable Herbes de Provence Rotisserie Chicken Recipe. Well, let me tell you, my favorite side dish to accompany this already mouthwatering meal is a stunning and flavorful Ratatouille. This classic vegetable stew is an exquisite side dish that complements the chicken’s flavors perfectly. Made with seasoned zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and crushed tomatoes, this ratatouille adds even more Provençal flair to the meal and truly brings the flavors of the South of France to life! Since ratatouille is a traditional dish from my hometown of Nice, serving it with this chicken recipe is practically a tribute to my heritage. Now, I can’t get enough of this lovely combination, and I hope you feel the same way!
Summary
All in all, this Herbes de Provence Rotisserie Chicken Recipe with Ratatouille is a stellar combination that you can’t miss out on! It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you want to impress your guests at a dinner party or enjoy a cozy and satisfying meal at home. I can’t wait for you to try it out and hear how it turns out! Have you tried making this recipe before? What’s your go-to Provençal side dish to accompany it? Let me know in the comments below. As always, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of French charm and elegance to your day, bon appétit!
Here’s the recipe:
A French Touch: Herbes de Provence Rotisserie Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Rotisserie Oven
- Kitchen twine
- Basting Brush
- cutting board
- Knife
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 (3-4 pounds) Whole chicken
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon Herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Onion
- 3 sprigs Thyme
- 3 sprigs Rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your Rotisserie Oven - Preheat your Rotisserie Oven to 375°F (190°C), following the manufacturer’s instructions. - If you are using a regular oven, preheat it at 400°F (205°C) and roast the chicken for 60-70 minutes.
- Season the Chicken - Rub the chicken inside and out with Kosher salt, then sprinkle Herbes de Provence and black pepper evenly over the chicken. - Make sure that the herbs are evenly distributed all over the chicken for optimum flavor.
- Tie the Chicken and Cut the Onion - Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. Cut the onion into 8 wedges. - Tying the chicken with kitchen twine will give it a nice compact shape and even cooking. Make sure you cut the onion into wedges instead of diced pieces as this will hold its shape while cooking.
- Stuff the Chicken - Stuff the chicken cavity with the onion wedges, garlic cloves, thyme, and rosemary sprigs. Place the chicken onto the Rotisserie spit, securing it tightly with the chicken prongs. - The stuffing will add flavor and moisture to the chicken, make sure to stuff it well for optimum flavor.
- Baste the Chicken - In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, then using a basting brush, generously baste the chicken with the mixture making sure to coat all sides. - Basting the chicken will help to keep it moist and tender.
- Roast the Chicken - Place the Rotisserie spit onto the Rotisserie Oven, and roast the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat. Baste the chicken with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture every 20-25 minutes during cooking. - Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to check the internal temperature. Make sure that the thermometer does not touch the bone as it will give you inaccurate readings.
- Rest and Carve the Chicken - Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. - Resting the chicken is important as it allows the juices to distribute evenly, making the chicken juicier and easier to carve.
- Serve and Enjoy - Carve the chicken and serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the delightful taste of Provencal flavors and the juicy meat. - Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice or chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary before serving for extra zing!
