This Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and it’s not hard to see why. With a zesty burst of lemon and the fragrant aroma of herbs, this dish is the perfect combination of juicy and savory, delivering comfort and flavor in every bite. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy individuals or families. If you’re looking to try something new, this recipe is definitely worth your time. So, grab your ingredients and give it a shot! Your taste buds will thank you.
Here is why you might love this Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe
1. The combination of lemon and herbs provides a burst of refreshing and delicious flavor that takes the classic roasted chicken to the next level.
2. Roasting chicken allows the meat to become moist, tender, and juicy while creating a crispy skin that adds a pleasant texture to each bite.
3. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires only a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a meal with minimal effort.
Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) whole chicken
- 1 lemon sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 tbsp (3.9 tbsp) unsalted butter melted
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the garlic butter mixture all over the chicken, including the cavity.
- Stuff the cavity with sliced lemon, rosemary and thyme sprigs.
- Truss the chicken with kitchen twine.
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan, breast-side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a roasting pan with parchment paper.
3. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Mix lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley), and olive oil in a small bowl.
5. Rub the lemon and herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
6. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for extra flavor and moisture.
7. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body to prevent burning.
8. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
9. Brush the chicken with melted butter or more olive oil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking for crispier skin.
10. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Ingredient | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Protein-rich meat that is roasted to golden brown perfection with herbs and lemon. | Turkey, Cornish hens, quail. |
| Lemon | Acidic fruit that adds tanginess and enhances the flavor of the chicken. | Lime, orange, grapefruit. |
| Herbs | Aromatic plants such as thyme, rosemary, and sage that provide a tasty and fragrant twist to the dish. | Basil, oregano, parsley, tarragon. |
Storage Tips
Typically, roasted chicken can be refrigerated for up to four days in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and content.
When defrosting, it’s best to do it in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures that the chicken is safely defrosted and prevents any bacteria growth. Another way is to defrost it in the microwave, but be sure to follow the microwave’s instructions and use the defrost setting. Do not refreeze the chicken once it has been defrosted.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish, Cover it with foil and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy as the first time.
Always use your best judgment when consuming leftovers and make sure they are safely stored and reheated.
Recipe Variations
1. Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken – Instead of using lemon, use chopped garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage to season the chicken before roasting.
2. Orange and Thyme Roasted Chicken – Substitute the lemon with orange juice and zest, and season with fresh thyme. This variation gives the chicken a sweeter and slightly tangy flavour.
3. Cajun-Spiced Roasted Chicken – Add a Cajun spice mix to the lemon and herb mixture before coating the chicken. This gives the chicken a spicy and smoky flavour.
4. Mediterranean-style Roasted Chicken – Replace the lemon with a mixture of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and herbs like oregano and basil. Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers and onions.
5. Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken – Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey and olive oil in a bowl and coat the chicken with the marinade before roasting. This variation gives the chicken a sweet and savoury flavour.
6. Balsamic Roasted Chicken – Incorporate balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice and honey to make the marinade for the chicken. This variation gives the chicken a slightly tangy and sweet flavour.
7. Herb and Mustard Roasted Chicken – Combine finely chopped fresh herbs with Dijon mustard, lemon zest and salt and pepper to make the marinade for the chicken. This variation creates a flavourful and zesty crust on the chicken.
8. Lemon and Herb Roasted Cornish Hen – Use Cornish hens instead of chicken and season with the lemon and herb mixture before roasting. This variation creates a smaller but juicer and flavorful meal.
What To Serve With
Here are some items that can be served with lemon and herb roasted chicken:
1. Roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts
2. Creamy mashed potatoes
3. Grilled or steamed green beans
4. Simple green salad
5. Creamed spinach
6. Brown rice pilaf
7. Garlic bread or dinner rolls
8. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash with lemon and herbs
9. Roasted sweet potatoes
10. Grilled asparagus with parmesan shavings.
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