Recipes

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a perfect blend of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a succulent and flavorful dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs before being roasted to golden perfection. This dish promises a crispy, herb-infused crust with juicy, tender meat, perfect for a comforting dinner or a special occasion meal.
dinnersimple mealshealthyovenmain courseherbslemoncomfort foodroastpoultry
15m 75m 2 10

Ingredients

  • whole chicken (3.5 pound) - about 3.5 lbs
  • zested and juiced lemon (2 )
  • olive oil (3 tablespoons)
  • minced garlic cloves (4 )
  • chopped fresh thyme (2 tablespoons)
  • salt (1.5 teaspoons)
  • ground black pepper (0.5 teaspoons)
  • softened unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
  • chopped fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons)
  • chopped fresh parsley (3 tablespoons) - for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

  • In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a large dish or resealable bag.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

Prep for Roasting

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and stuff it with a few lemon slices and some extra rosemary and thyme sprigs.
  • Tie the legs together using kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body.

Roast the Chicken

  • Place the marinated chicken on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Season the outside with salt and ground black pepper.
  • Spread softened butter evenly across the chicken's skin.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Rest and Serve

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with additional lemon slices.

Tips

  • To achieve extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is pat-dry before marinating.
  • For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding thin lemon slices underneath the skin before roasting.
  • Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
  • Leftovers can be used to make a delicious chicken salad or sandwiches.