Italian-Herb Roasted Chicken

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING TWO

Our master roasted-chicken recipe combines dried Mediterranean herbs and garlic.

1 whole (3 1/2-pound) chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 clove garlic, crushed with press

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1/2 cup water

1. Preheat oven to 450 F. Remove bag with giblets and neck from chicken cavity; discard or reserve for another use.

2. In cup, mix olive oil, herbs and garlic. With fingertips, gently separate skin from meat on chicken breast. Rub herb mixture on meat under skin. Tie legs together with string. Rub chicken all over with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1 1/4 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper.

3. Place chicken, breast side up, on rack in small roasting pan (13 by 9 inches). Pour 1/4 cup water into roasting pan. Roast chicken 1 hour or until juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with tip of knife and temperature on meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh reaches 175 F.

4. When chicken is done, lift from roasting pan and tilt slightly to allow juices inside cavity to run into pan. Place chicken on platter. Let stand 10 minutes to allow juices to set for easier carving.

5. Remove rack from roasting pan. Skim and discard fat from pan juices. Add remaining 1/4 cup water to pan juices; cook 1 minute on medium, stirring constantly. Serve chicken with pan juices. Makes 4 main-dish servings.

* Each serving: About 390 calories, 23g total fat (6g saturated), 161mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 1g total carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 41g protein.

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