Two Chickens, Four Delicious Meals

Meal Number One: Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy

Putting delicious, sustaining meals on the table consistently, economically, and with a minimum of fuss is something all home cooks aspire to. Over the years, we’ve learned that having two roast chickens on hand pays real dividends in terms of speed, convenience, and energy efficiency.

The secret to a gorgeous, golden-brown bird is basting—a bit of a bore, true, but more than worth the effort. We use melted butter flavored with smashed garlic cloves, then tuck the garlic and a lemon half inside the chicken. If you have rosemary or thyme sprigs in the fridge or growing on a windowsill, toss in a few of them as well. Pan gravy, a snap to make, is the kind of finishing touch you will become famous for. And, after dinner, put the chicken carcass in a ziplock bag and stash it in the freezer; those remains of the day, so to speak, will eventually end up in the stockpot. (Click for recipe)

[Video] How to carve a roast chicken.