Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken with Herbs

 

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a crispy skin when roasting.

3. Season the Chicken:

   • In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful herb marinade.
   • Rub the herb marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and in the cavity for maximum flavor.

4. Truss the Chicken (Optional):

   • Trussing the chicken helps it cook more evenly. If you're comfortable with trussing, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together.

5. Roasting the Chicken:

   • Place the seasoned chicken on a roasting pan or a baking dish with a rack. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking.
   • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven. The cooking time will vary based on the weight of the chicken. As a general guideline, roast for about 20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

6. Basting (Optional):

   • To enhance flavor and moisture, baste the chicken with pan juices every 30 minutes during the roasting process.

7. Garnish and Rest:

   • Once the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a burst of citrus aroma.
   • Allow the chicken to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken.

8. Serve:

   • Carve the chicken into desired pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement this dish beautifully.

Note: Feel free to customize the herb blend based on your preferences. Additionally, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions to the roasting pan for a complete one-pan meal. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken!