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Sunday Roast Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe

Sunday Roast Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roasted chicken sizzles with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, creating a mouthwatering meal that fills your kitchen with incredible comfort. Crisp skin and tender meat make this simple yet elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 Whole chicken

Supporting Herbs and Aromatics:

  • 4 Garlic cloves
  • 2 Sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 Sprigs fresh thyme
  • ¼ Cup fresh parsley
  • 1 Lemon

Seasonings and Oils:

  • ¼ Cup olive oil
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly rinse your whole 4-5 pound chicken under cool running water, then meticulously dry every surface using clean paper towels.
  2. Blend ¼ cup olive oil with 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped rosemary sprigs, 2 chopped thyme sprigs, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Massage the herbal mixture generously across the entire chicken surface, carefully working the blend underneath the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Insert 1 whole lemon, sliced into thin rounds, deep inside the chicken’s cavity.
  5. Position the chicken breast-side facing upward in a roasting pan, ensuring stable placement.
  6. Transfer the pan into a preheated oven set precisely at 425°F and roast for exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken and allow it to rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain tenderness.
  8. Carve the chicken carefully, serving immediately while the meat remains warm and aromatic.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part for safe cooking.
  • Fresh herbs make a huge difference, so grab them from your garden or a local market if possible.
  • Room temperature chicken helps ensure even cooking, so take the bird out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before preparing.
  • For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken completely dry and consider using a sprinkle of baking powder before roasting to help the skin crisp up beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Roasted
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 575 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg