Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken (Printable Version)
A fragrant whole chicken roasted with lemon, garlic, and herbs delivers a juicy, flavorful meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 1 whole chicken, approximately 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), giblets removed
→ Aromatics
02 - 2 lemons, 1 sliced, 1 halved
03 - 1 whole garlic bulb, halved horizontally
04 - 1 medium onion, quartered
→ Herbs & Seasoning
05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
10 - ½ teaspoon paprika
→ Vegetables (optional)
11 - 3 carrots, cut into large chunks
12 - 3 potatoes, cut into large chunks
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface, including under the skin if possible, with olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
03 - Place the halved garlic bulb, quartered onion, halved lemons, and several lemon slices into the chicken cavity.
04 - Place remaining lemon slices and any leftover garlic around the chicken in the roasting pan. Add chopped carrots and potatoes if using.
05 - Tie the chicken legs together securely with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath.
06 - Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices, until the skin is golden and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
07 - Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve alongside roasted vegetables and pan juices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This chicken is bursting with fresh lemon and garlic flavor that feels like you're sharing a secret to happiness with a close friend
- The combination of herbs and juicy, tender meat makes it a staple whenever I want something cozy but effortlessly impressive
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key for that coveted crispy skin everyone raves about
- Stuffing the cavity with aromatics not only flavors the meat but also adds moisture during roasting which makes all the difference
03 -
- Letting the chicken rest after roasting locks in all the juicy goodness so slices stay moist and flavorful
- Don't skip tying the legs; it helps the chicken cook evenly and looks so polished when served