Perfectly Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Herbs
This perfectly roasted chicken recipe brings together a blend of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and aromatic garlic to create a juicy and flavorful roast. The crispy golden skin and tender meat make this a standout dish for any special occasion or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh herbs: 3-4 sprigs rosemary, 4-5 sprigs thyme, and a few sprigs parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for roasting)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra crispness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the rack in the middle of the oven.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove any giblets from the chicken’s cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This ensures the skin will crisp up nicely during roasting.
- Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, making sure it’s well-coated. Season generously with salt and pepper both inside and outside the chicken.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Insert the quartered lemon, smashed garlic cloves, onion, and fresh herbs into the cavity of the chicken. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with flavor as it roasts.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can use the chicken itself as the base to keep it elevated.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Halfway through roasting, you can baste the chicken with its juices for added flavor and to keep it moist.
- Optional: Add Butter for Extra Crispiness
- For an even crispier skin, melt the unsalted butter and brush it onto the chicken skin during the last 20 minutes of roasting.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender.
- Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve with your choice of sides. The lemon and herb stuffing will have infused the chicken with a delicious aroma and flavor.
Tips:
- You can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips around the chicken while roasting to create a complete meal in one pan.
- For extra flavor, drizzle some lemon juice over the chicken before serving, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
This roasted chicken is the epitome of comfort and elegance, with the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table!
