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Weeknight Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe

Weeknight Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken delivers a mouthwatering meal that brings comfort straight to your dinner table. Tender chicken infused with zesty herbs promises a delightful experience your family will savor with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 Whole chicken
  • 1 Lemon
  • 4 Cloves garlic

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 Sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 Sprigs fresh thyme
  • ¼ Cup fresh parsley

Finishing Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Rinse your whole chicken (4-5 lbs) under cold tap water, then thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin during roasting.
  2. Create a fragrant marinade by whisking ¼ cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  3. Massage the marinade generously across the entire chicken surface, carefully sliding some mixture underneath the skin for deeper flavor penetration.
  4. Delicately stuff the chicken’s cavity with 2 rosemary sprigs, 2 thyme sprigs, and half of your large lemon’s slices.
  5. Position the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan, arranging remaining lemon slices around the meat for additional aromatic infusion.
  6. Heat the oven precisely to 425F and place the chicken in the center rack for consistent roasting.
  7. Roast the chicken for 75 minutes, using a basting brush to spread pan juices over the skin halfway through cooking time.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest undisturbed for 15 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices for maximum tenderness.
  9. Carve the chicken after resting, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, final touch.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken completely dry helps create crispy, golden skin that seals in moisture during roasting.
  • Massaging the marinade under the skin allows herbs and seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat for maximum flavor.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken reaches 165F at the thickest part, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked poultry.
  • For a gluten-free and dairy-free version, this recipe naturally fits those dietary requirements without any modifications needed.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Roasted
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 384 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 807 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 102 mg