California Sagebrush Roasted Chicken

This simple roasted chicken has turned into one of my favorite meals. California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) is a common plant in the chaparral, and can be used fresh or dried in this recipe. The Chumash call the plant khapshikh and say it brings back pleasant memories. It has certainly created some new ones for me. This is not an herb to consume daily, but I think its light/silver green leaves can be safely added in small amounts to the diet.

California Sagebrush Roasted Chicken

one whole chicken
4 T unsalted butter
1/4 c fresh California sagebrush, or 1/8 c dried
2 t salt

Preheat oven to 425°. Clean chicken and pat dry. Sprinkle salt on top of bird, then butter (cut into chunks) and California sagebrush. Cook for roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes…or until thoroughly cooked. I usually take it out about every 15 minutes to baste.