Chicken Recipes

With the whole chickens on sale this weekend at Albertsons ( Fri-Sun .77#) I thought it would be a good time post a couple 'whole chicken' recipes. I've made both of these a number of times ... very good!
Simmered Chinese Chicken

1 whole chicken
1 T. oil
Brown the chicken in a large kettle with a cover, in the oil for a few minutes. Turn and brown other side.

While the chicken is browning, mix together:
1/3 c. soy sauce
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. apple juice
1 T. catsup
3/4 c. red pepper
1 clove crushed garlic
1 green onion, sliced
1 t. salt

Pour over chicken. Cover, simmer 45 minutes. ( be sure chicken cooks to 165 degrees)
Remove chicken from pot.
Mix together:
2 T. cornstarch
1. T. water
1 T. toasted sesame seeds ( I toast my own in the oven)

Skim fat from broth in pot.
Add cornstarch/water mixture.
Bring to a boil
Pour sauce over chicken, Top with sesame seeds.

I have been in a hurry and skipped this last part of the cornstarch and water, we just ate the chicken with no sauce. It's really good either way.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken -

2 whole fryers
1/2 cup olive oil
2 T. salt
1 T black pepper
1 t. dried parsley
1 t. oregano
1 lemon, cut in half
4 large garlic cloves
Wash chicken - remove giblets and trim away excess fat.
Preheat oven to 350.

Combine the olive oil, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
Rub the inside of the cavity with this mixture, reserving some for later.
Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the cavity, then place the 1/2 of lemon inside.. cut side down.
Spread more of the olive oil mixture under the skin onto the breast. Place the garlic cloves under the skin.
Sprinkle more salt and pepper over the entire chicken.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for 1 1/2 hours.. basting occasionally. until meat registers 165 on thermometer.

Delicious as the main course, and the leftovers are superb in quesadillas..