This Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. Roasting the chicken marylands with a generous amount of garlic-herb butter results in beautifully golden, crispy skin, while the meat remains tender and juicy. The white wine enhances the dish, creating a deliciously rich sauce from the pan juices.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this dish delivers on all fronts. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies to round out the meal. With minimal effort, you get a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Full Recipe:
- 4 chicken marylands (US: leg quarters) or 8 bone-in, skin-on thighs
- 100g/7 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped (or 1½ tsp dried rosemary)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (or 1½ tsp dried thyme)
- ½ tsp cooking/kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken stock)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Use a spoon to gently loosen the skin from the chicken marylands, taking care not to tear it. Smear 80% of the butter mixture under the skin, and the rest on top of the skin and flesh side.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, skin side up. Pour the wine around the chicken pieces.
- Roast for 10 minutes at 220°C, then reduce the heat to 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) and continue roasting for another 40 minutes.
- Baste the chicken with pan juices at the 30 and 40-minute marks.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve with the pan juices as a sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 659 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands: A Flavor-Packed, Fuss-Free Roast Dinner
Chicken Maryland, also known as chicken leg quarters, is an underrated and versatile cut of chicken that often gets overlooked. Combining the thigh and drumstick in one piece, this cut offers an ideal balance of juicy, flavorful dark meat and crispy skin. The Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can transform a humble cut of chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish. With minimal effort, you can achieve a deliciously golden, herb-infused roast chicken that your family and guests will love.
Why Choose Chicken Maryland?
- Juicy Dark Meat: The combination of thigh and drumstick ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. Dark meat cuts like these are naturally richer in flavor and more forgiving in terms of cooking time.
- Crispy Skin: Chicken Maryland is perfect for those who enjoy the contrast of crispy, golden skin with succulent, flavorful meat beneath. The skin locks in moisture while roasting, creating a perfect bite.
- Budget-Friendly: This cut of chicken is often more economical than breast meat or whole chickens. Its larger size also means you’re getting a substantial portion per piece, making it ideal for feeding families or a small gathering.
- Hard to Mess Up: Because it consists entirely of dark meat, Chicken Maryland is harder to overcook than leaner cuts like chicken breast. It remains juicy even with extended cooking times, making it a foolproof choice for novice cooks.
The Role of Herb & Garlic Butter
The star of this recipe is the herb and garlic butter, which is slathered generously under and over the skin of the chicken. The combination of fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme) with the rich, creamy butter and garlic creates an aromatic and deeply flavorful crust. As the chicken roasts, the butter melts and seeps into the meat, infusing it with savory goodness. Here’s why the herb and garlic butter is so effective:
- Enhances Moisture: Butter under the skin helps to keep the chicken moist as it roasts. The fat in the butter bastes the meat as it melts, ensuring that it doesn’t dry out.
- Intensifies Flavor: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme bring a woodsy, aromatic note to the dish, while garlic adds a punch of pungent flavor. These classic herbs pair beautifully with chicken and permeate the entire dish.
- Creates a Golden Crust: Butter on the skin promotes browning and crisping, giving the chicken an irresistible golden-brown finish.
Cooking with Wine
A key aspect of this recipe is roasting the chicken with a splash of white wine. The wine adds depth to the dish by contributing both moisture and flavor. As it evaporates during cooking, the wine mingles with the melted butter and chicken drippings to create a rich pan sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over the finished dish. Here’s why the wine is important:
- Keeps the Chicken Moist: The liquid from the wine helps to maintain moisture in the roasting pan, preventing the chicken from drying out during its time in the oven.
- Boosts Flavor: White wine infuses the chicken with subtle acidity and fruity undertones, balancing the richness of the butter and complementing the herbs and garlic.
- Forms a Delicious Sauce: The wine combines with the chicken juices and butter to create a flavorful pan sauce. It’s perfect for spooning over the chicken or pairing with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Versatility of the Recipe
The Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. While it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it can easily be elevated for more special occasions. Below are some ideas to customize or adapt the recipe for different preferences or occasions:
- Substitute with Bone-In Thighs: If you can’t find chicken marylands, this recipe works equally well with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The butter and herb mixture can still be spread under the skin for the same delicious result.
- Make It Dairy-Free: To adapt this recipe for dairy-free diets, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative or olive oil. The result will still be rich and flavorful, though the chicken may not brown quite as deeply as with butter.
- Experiment with Herbs: While rosemary and thyme are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other herbs. Oregano, tarragon, or sage can add different flavor profiles to the dish.
- Use Chicken Stock Instead of Wine: For those who prefer to avoid cooking with alcohol, low-sodium chicken stock is a great substitute for the white wine. It will still keep the chicken moist and add a savory depth of flavor to the pan juices.
- Add Vegetables to the Pan: For a complete one-pan meal, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or onions to the roasting pan. As the chicken cooks, the vegetables will absorb the delicious butter and herb juices, making them tender and flavorful.
Perfect Pairings for a Complete Meal
To make the Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands a truly satisfying meal, pair it with sides that complement its rich and savory flavors. Here are some classic and contemporary side dish options:
- Potato Gratin: Creamy and indulgent, a potato gratin pairs beautifully with the roasted chicken. The richness of the dish balances the herb and garlic flavors, creating a harmonious meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Soft and fluffy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic are a perfect canvas for the buttery pan juices. They provide a comforting and filling side dish that enhances the flavors of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts add a pop of color and a contrasting texture to the meal. They can be roasted alongside the chicken for an easy one-pan preparation.
- Green Beans with Almonds: Crisp green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with toasted almonds offer a light and fresh contrast to the rich chicken. The crunch of the almonds adds texture to the meal.
- Arugula Salad: A fresh, peppery arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the roasted chicken. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the buttery flavors and refreshes the palate.
Health Benefits
While this recipe offers indulgent, comforting flavors, it’s also worth noting that it can be a relatively healthy choice, especially when paired with nutrient-dense sides. Here are some health benefits of the key ingredients:
- Chicken Maryland: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. While this cut includes the skin, the dark meat contains valuable nutrients like iron and zinc.
- Garlic: Garlic has long been praised for its health benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants and is known for its potential to boost immunity and support heart health.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They add flavor without the need for excess salt or fat, making this dish flavorful and healthy.
Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Dish
The Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands recipe is the ideal blend of ease, flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers every time. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy skin, and aromatic herbs creates a meal that feels elevated without requiring hours of preparation. Plus, the added bonus of a rich pan sauce from the butter and wine ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it also offers the flexibility to adapt to your personal tastes and dietary needs. By changing up the herbs, swapping ingredients, or pairing it with different sides, you can customize this recipe to suit any occasion. From weeknight dinners to dinner parties, Herb & Garlic Chicken Marylands is a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.