Cannabis-Infused "Sun-Kissed" Citrus & Herb Roasted Chicken
A Note on Dosing: This recipe makes 4-6 servings (a whole chicken). We calculate based on a 15% THC flower. You must calculate your own dose based on your cannabis potency. This is a savory, meal-centered infusion—the cannabinoids are gently dispersed throughout the meat and drippings, offering a consistent, full-bodied effect perfect for a long, leisurely dinner.
Approximate Dose (using 1.5g of 15% THC flower): ~18mg THC per serving (if divided into 4). Adjust your cannabis amount for desired potency.
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Step 1: The Cannabis-Infused Compound Butter
Ingredients:
· 1.5 grams cannabis flower
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
· Zest of 1 lemon
· Zest of 1 orange
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage), finely chopped
· 1 teaspoon sea salt
· 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Decarboxylation Method:
1. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C).
2. Finely grind cannabis flower and spread on parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 35-40 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Cool completely.
Infusion & Compound Method:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over the lowest possible heat.
2. Add the decarboxylated cannabis. Steep for 45 minutes, maintaining a temperature below 180°F (82°C). Do not simmer.
3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a bowl. Press gently to extract all butter. Discard plant material. Let the infused butter cool until firm but spreadable.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the cooled cannabis-infused butter, lemon zest, orange zest, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix vigorously with a fork until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a log. Twist the ends.
6. This is your Cannabis-Infused Citrus Herb Butter. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Can be made 3 days ahead.
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Step 2: The Roasted Chicken Assembly
Ingredients:
· 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs), patted very dry
· 1 lemon, halved
· 1 orange, halved
· 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
· 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
· 2 carrots, roughly chopped
· 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· Salt and pepper
· Kitchen twine
· 1 cup chicken stock or white wine (for the pan)
Equipment:
· Roasting pan with rack
· Instant-read thermometer
· Basting brush
Method:
1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken cavity generously with salt and pepper. Place the halved lemon, halved orange, and the head of garlic inside the cavity.
2. Loosen the Skin: Gently slide your fingers between the chicken skin and the breast meat to create pockets, being careful not to tear the skin.
3. Insert the Infusion: Slice your chilled Cannabis-Infused Citrus Herb Butter into 1/4-inch rounds. Slide these butter rounds under the skin of the chicken, distributing them evenly over the breasts and thighs. Use about 2/3 of the butter log for this. Reserve the rest.
4. Truss & Season: Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. Rub the outside of the chicken all over with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
5. Build the Pan: Scatter the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the roasting pan. Place the chicken, breast-side up, on the rack over the vegetables. Pour the stock or wine into the bottom of the pan (not over the chicken).
6. Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the chicken for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1 to 1.5 hours total.
7. Final Baste & Rest: During the last 10 minutes of cooking, melt the reserved compound butter and brush it over the chicken for a final glossy, herb-infused glaze. Once done, remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
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Safety, Serving & The Meal
CRITICAL NOTES:
⚠️ FULL MEAL INFUSION: The THC is in the butter that has melted into the meat and the drippings. The entire dish is medicated.
⚠️ LABEL LEFTOVERS: Clearly mark any leftover chicken or pan drippings "CONTAINS CANNABIS."
⚠️ COMMUNICATE: Inform all guests that the meal is infused. Do not serve to unexpected guests.
⚠️ START LOW: The effects come on gradually over 60-90 minutes. Serve with plenty of non-infused sides so people can pace themselves.
⚠️ DO NOT DRIVE: This is a centerpiece for a stay-at-home evening.
Suggested Non-Infused Sides:
· Crispy roasted potatoes
· A bright, acidic green salad
· Steamed green beans with almonds
· Crusty bread (for soaking up the incredible, unmedicated pan juices—advise guests the juices in the pan are highly potent)
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Romantic/Family-Style Presentation:
Carve the chicken at the table. Serve on a large platter surrounded by the roasted vegetables. The skin will be golden, crisp, and fragrant with citrus and herbs. The experience is one of shared comfort, warmth, and convivial elevation.