Description
Every once in a while, a recipe comes along that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and this Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken is just that. It’s a perfect blend of tangy lemon, aromatic herbs, and succulent chicken that fills the kitchen with a comforting aroma and the dining room with smiles. Simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining, this dish is a must-try for any home cook!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to heat up while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice from one lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ready the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, inside and out, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Stuff the Chicken: Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the remaining lemon halves and the quartered onion.
- Roast: Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan (this helps keep the chicken moist). Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This helps retain its juices, making it even more succulent.
Equipment
Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or marjoram for a different twist.
- Citrus Twist: Adding orange segments to the cavity can introduce a sweeter, nuanced flavor.
- Basting: Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg