Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that features the perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs. The chicken turns out tender and juicy with a beautifully crisp skin, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Juicy and Flavorful: The lemon and fresh herbs infuse the chicken with a delightful burst of flavor, while keeping the meat moist and tender.
• Easy to Make: With minimal prep and just a little roasting time, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready in no time.
• Versatile: Perfect to serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 lemons (one for juicing and the other for stuffing)
• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

2. Rinse and dry the chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crisp skin while roasting.
3. Season the chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside. This helps to bring out the flavors of the chicken.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

4. Stuff the chicken: Cut one lemon into quarters. Stuff the quarters inside the chicken along with the smashed garlic cloves and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and parsley). The lemon will help infuse the chicken with fresh, citrusy flavor as it roasts.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Olive Oil

5. Squeeze the second lemon: Squeeze the juice of the second lemon over the chicken, ensuring the juice is evenly distributed over the skin.
6. Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, which will help the skin become golden brown and crispy during roasting.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

7. Roast the chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up, and roast it in the oven for about 1 hour. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast or thigh.
   • Tip: If you have a meat thermometer, it will help ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

8. Let the chicken rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy roast.
9. Carve and serve: Once rested, carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Tips:

• Flavor Boost: For even more flavor, rub the skin of the chicken with a bit of butter before roasting.
• Side Dish Ideas: Serve with roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions, or pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Leftovers: This roasted chicken makes great leftovers for salads, sandwiches, or chicken soup.

Conclusion:

This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe is perfect for a delicious, comforting dinner with minimal effort. The bright, citrusy lemon and fragrant herbs complement the tender chicken, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.

Print