Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe
This recipe for lemon herb roasted chicken is incredibly easy to follow, yet delivers a restaurant-quality meal. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The bright, zesty lemon flavor complements the tender chicken beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- One (4-5 pound) whole chicken: Ensure your chicken is completely thawed before starting.
- 1 large lemon: We'll use both the zest and the juice for maximum flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for easy blending with the herbs.
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary: Chopped – this adds a wonderful earthy aroma.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme: Chopped – thyme pairs wonderfully with chicken and lemon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a lovely golden-brown crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken properly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Rinse the chicken thoroughly: Pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
- Zest the lemon: Grate the outer yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the white pith (which is bitter). Set aside.
- Juice the lemon: Squeeze the lemon to extract its juice. Set aside.
- Mix the herb paste: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful paste.
Seasoning and Roasting the Chicken:
- Loosen the chicken skin: Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and thighs. This allows the herb paste to penetrate and flavor the meat.
- Apply the herb paste: Evenly spread the herb mixture under the skin and over the entire chicken, ensuring all areas are well-coated.
- Stuff the cavity (optional): You can optionally place some lemon wedges and fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
- Roast the chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
This lemon herb roasted chicken is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Roasted vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and broccoli roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
- Rice or quinoa: A simple side dish to soak up the delicious pan juices.
- A fresh salad: A light and refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
Tips for Success:
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs offer a superior flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the chicken has enough space to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Baste the chicken: During the roasting process, you can occasionally baste the chicken with the pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious, flavorful lemon herb roasted chicken! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Remember to share your culinary creations using #LemonHerbChicken!
