Last night was my mom’s birthday, so we decided to do a little family-and-friends dinner at their place. Scott and Bruce from 44 1/2 dropped in with an incredible Riesling, which we drank with Lemony Engagement Chicken.

Above, I’m cutting into the space under the drumstick to see whether the juices run clear – the indication that the chicken is cooked…but confession? I sometimes just cut right into the breast itself to check for doneness, because I’d rather have a less perfect-looking chicken than an undercooked one. Also, anyone who would be bothered by the fact that there’s a little cut in the chicken probably isn’t someone I want to have dinner with. 

I’ve always referred to this recipe as “Engagement Chicken,” because a long time ago I read an article in Glamour about a similar recipe for roast chicken that staffers had discovered often immediately preceded a marriage proposal. I don’t know whether whipping one of these things up will put a ring on it, but believe me: this recipe is pure magic.