Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

 

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
   • Place the chicken in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe dish.

3. Prepare the Marinade:

   • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • Mix the ingredients well to form a paste.

4. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Rub the chicken inside and out with the prepared marinade. Make sure to get the marinade under the skin for maximum flavor.
   • Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

5. Truss the Chicken:

   • Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

6. Roasting:

   • Place the trussed chicken in the preheated oven.
   • Roast the chicken for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes to ensure a moist and flavorful result.

7. Check for Doneness:

   • To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The juices should run clear, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

8. Resting:

   • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

9. Prepare the Pan Sauce:

   • Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
   • Add chicken broth to the pan drippings and stir, scraping up any browned bits.
   • Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

10. Serve:

    • Carve the chicken, drizzle with the pan sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken!