Description
This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a classic and flavorful dish featuring a whole chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and fragrant herbs, then roasted to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it can be paired with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional Vegetables
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold water gently and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and finely chopped thyme, rosemary, and parsley to create a flavorful herb marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get underneath the skin for maximum flavor infusion. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare Vegetables (Optional): If using, chop the carrots, potatoes, and onion, then arrange them around the chicken in a roasting pan. This allows them to cook in the chicken’s juices.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Optional vegetables can be substituted with any root vegetables of your choice.
- Letting the chicken rest after roasting is essential to keep the meat moist and tender.
- If skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during roasting.
