Description
Lemon Herb Roast Chicken is a delightful dish that merges the zesty brightness of fresh lemons with aromatic herbs, resulting in a juicy and flavorful roast. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms a simple whole chicken into an impressive centerpiece, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions like Mother’s Day. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll create a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
- 2 fresh lemons, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, and olive oil.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Stuff lemon wedges and herb sprigs inside the cavity if desired.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in the baking dish and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of a whole chicken (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: - For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb mixture for at least one hour or overnight. - Swap lemon for orange for a sweeter twist. - Add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the roasting pan for a complete meal.