Heart-Healthy Lechon

Discover a guilt-free twist on a Filipino classic with our Heart-Healthy Lechon! This recipe swaps out the traditional pork for a tender, oven-roasted whole chicken, seasoned with a vibrant blend of olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh rosemary. Infused with tangy balsamic vinegar, bright lemon juice, and a hint of low-sodium chicken broth, this dish delivers all the rich, savory flavors you love—without compromising your wellness goals. Perfectly roasted until golden and juicy, this lechon alternative pairs beautifully with its own pan juices for a flavorful and health-conscious meal. Ready in just under two hours and easy to prepare, it’s an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 pounds whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a clean work surface.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, juice of the lemon, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to form a paste.

Step 4

Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the chicken meat and rub the paste under the skin, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Rub any remaining paste over the top of the chicken skin.

Step 5

Insert the lemon halves and one rosemary sprig into the cavity of the chicken to infuse flavor.

Step 6

Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth around it in the pan.

Step 7

Add the remaining rosemary sprig to the pan.

Step 8

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.

Step 9

Every 30 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Step 11

Serve the chicken with its juices from the pan spooned over the top or on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1742.2 grams (1742.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	538

Total Fat 39.50g	51%
Saturated Fat 7.60g	38%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 102mg	34%
Sodium 3040mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 18.10g	7%
Dietary Fiber 3.30g	12%
Total Sugars 7.00g
Protein 31.20g	62%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 96mg	7%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 780mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.3%

Protein: 22.6%

Carbs: 13.1%