Recipe: Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken

 

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
   • Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.

3. Create Herb Mixture:

   • In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, and olive oil. Mix well to create a fragrant herb mixture.

4. Lift the Skin:

   • Gently lift the skin of the chicken by carefully sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Be careful not to tear the skin.

5. Season Under the Skin:

   • Spoon half of the herb mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly over the breasts and thighs. This adds flavor directly to the meat.

6. Stuff with Lemons:

   • Stuff the cavity of the chicken with sliced lemons. This adds a citrusy brightness and keeps the chicken moist.

7. Tie the Legs:

   • If desired, tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

8. Coat with Herb Mixture:

   • Brush the remaining herb mixture over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.

9. Roast in the Oven:

   • Place the prepared chicken on a roasting pan or in a baking dish.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

10. Baste Occasionally:

    • Baste the chicken with its juices and the herb mixture every 20-30 minutes to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.

11. Rest Before Carving:

    • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.

12. Carve and Serve:

    • Carve the lemon garlic herb roasted chicken into desired portions and serve with your favorite sides.

Note: Feel free to customize the herb mixture with your favorite fresh herbs, and you can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the roasting pan for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious and aromatic lemon garlic herb roasted chicken!