citrus roasted chicken, what i like to call "pretty food"

i saw this recipe on pinterest and could not wait to make it!! and it didn't disappoint.. it was so good!! so easy.. it was ready and in the oven by 6.. i followed the recipe pretty closely and i don't think i would really change anything.. the flavor profile was pretty spot on!

when you assemble it it's so colorful and pretty.. it really makes eating it enjoyable..

growing up one of my mom's philosophies in cooking and making plates was if it looks pretty then your more likely to enjoy it.. whenever she was on a diet our food was so gorgeous!! she made every dish "pretty"!! i have inherited her "flare" i suppose because i really try to make my plates and dishes have appeal thereby making them taste better is the thought process.. *smile*

citrus roasted chicken

prep time: 20 minutes
cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
servings: 6

ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tblsp. agave
2 whole lemons, one zested and juiced and once sliced
2 whole oranges, one zested and juiced and one sliced
1 tbslp. dried italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
10-12 peices of chicken {i used boneless skinless thighs and drumsticks}
1 medium onion, sliced
a few sprigs of fresh thyme and some chopped thyme too
chopped fresh herbs for garnish {which i forgot}

directions:

pre heat your oven to 400 degrees {f}.. in a small mixing bowl whisk olive oil, garlic, agave, zest and juice of a whole lemon and orange, italian seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper..  place chicken in a 13" by 9" casserole dish and pour olive oil mixture over, turn the pieces to make sure everything is evenly coated... arrange sliced lemon, orange, onion and a few sprigs of thyme {as well as some chopped thyme} over chicken.. sprinkle with salt and pepper... bake uncovered for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.. remove chicken to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped herbs... you can marinade the chicken, onions, lemon and orange slices over night for a more citrusy garlicky flavor.. i think next time i will do that :) i served it with easy roasted artichokes and dipped the artichoke leaves in the yummy citrusy juice left over from the chicken..

enjoy and get cook'n!!