Ep 5. A Simple Roast Chicken

Joanna Gaines, the renowned designer, and homeowner whose prowess has elevated the decor of numerous homes in her home state, takes viewers into the kitchen for another season of her cooking show, Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines. In this episode titled "A Simple Roast Chicken", Gaines teaches viewers how to make the perfect roast chicken for a family dinner.

The episode commences with Gaines welcoming viewers to her kitchen, where she prepares to make one of her all-time favorite meals, roast chicken. Gaines is excited to share her tried-and-true recipe, which she assures viewers will be the ideal remedy for a boring weekday meal. Gaines starts by going through the ingredients, with her love of simple, wholesome ingredients shining through every item she picks up.

Gaines makes a point of highlighting the importance of choosing the right chicken and shares recommendations for how to do so. She emphasizes the importance of selecting a chicken that has been raised in an ethical and humane way, as well as one that is free-range.

One of Gaines' methods for ensuring that her roast chicken comes out juicy and flavorful is by brining it overnight. Her brine recipe comprises lemons, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns, complemented by ricotta, which aids in tenderizing the meat. While scrubbing and brining the chicken, Gaines gives tips on how to best clean and handle a whole chicken.

Next, Gaines demonstrates how to achieve the perfect crispy skin on your roast chicken. She begins by drying off the chicken and carefully placing it on a baking tray. She proceeds to season the bird adequately, with a mixture of thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gaines then stuffs the bird's cavity with lemon halves, onions, garlic, and rosemary sprigs to add extra flavor.

After roasting the chicken in the oven at a steady temperature, Gaines prepares to make a gravy with the pan drippings. She carefully directs viewers to pour off the fat from the juices and incorporate the remaining liquid into a pot of melted butter infused with flour, all while whisking frequently. She then finishes the sauce with a drizzle of fresh lemon and cream to make it rich and flavorful.

The episode concludes with Gaines serving up her beautifully roasted chicken and advising viewers to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to create their own personalized roast chicken recipe. She ends by encouraging viewers to join her in the kitchen and try making her recipe for their next family dinner.

Overall, the episode "A Simple Roast Chicken" is a step-by-step guide on how to create a mouth-watering meal from start to finish. Gaines' expert knowledge and experience in the kitchen, coupled with her easygoing personality, make for a highly enjoyable and educational viewing experience. Anyone seeking a tried-and-true recipe to impress their loved ones need look no further than the Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines's episode "A Simple Roast Chicken".