Lemon roast chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bright citrusy taste of lemon with the savory goodness of roast chicken. Here’s a simple recipe to make lemon roast chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 lemons
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary sprigs) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Zest and juice one of the lemons. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the lemon garlic marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin as well. This will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Cut the second lemon into quarters and stuff it into the cavity of the chicken.
- Tie the chicken’s legs together with kitchen twine, if desired, to help it cook evenly.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast it for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). This typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours for a 3-4 pound chicken.
- If you notice the skin is browning too quickly, you can cover the chicken loosely with foil.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve the lemon roast chicken hot.
You can also use any extra lemon-garlic marinade as a drizzle over the sliced chicken when serving.
Lemon roast chicken is a delightful dish with a zesty and aromatic flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy your homemade lemon roast chicken!
