Roasted Lemon Chicken

Elevate your dinner table with this flavorful and aromatic Roasted Lemon Chicken, a classic dish infused with bright citrus notes and fragrant fresh herbs. Perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden perfection, this chicken recipe features a juicy whole chicken stuffed with zesty lemon wedges, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. A luscious butter rub under the skin ensures a tender and moist interior, while a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice creates a crisp, caramelized skin. The addition of chicken broth in the roasting pan enhances the flavor of the drippings, making them perfect for basting or serving as a sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this savory and citrusy roast chicken is an ideal centerpiece for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions. Pair it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete, mouthwatering meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:80 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 lemons
• 6 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Clean the whole chicken by patting it dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture.

Step 3

Season the chicken generously inside and out with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 4

Cut one lemon into quarters and place the wedges inside the cavity of the chicken along with 4 garlic cloves, 2 sprigs of rosemary, and 3 sprigs of thyme.

Step 5

Juice the second lemon and mix the juice with 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 6

Spread the softened butter under the skin of the chicken breast for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 7

Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet.

Step 8

Pour the lemon juice and olive oil mixture over the chicken evenly, ensuring it is well coated.

Step 9

Scatter the remaining garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme around the chicken in the pan. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist and create a flavorful base for drippings.

Step 10

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 70-80 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (the thigh) reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes for a golden and crisp skin.

Step 11

If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 12

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to retain its juices.

Step 13

Serve the roasted lemon chicken with the flavorful pan juices drizzled on top. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1865.3 grams (1865.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	873

Total Fat 77.80g	100%
Saturated Fat 23.80g	119%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 167mg	56%
Sodium 5402mg	235%
Total Carbohydrate 20.80g	8%
Dietary Fiber 5.10g	18%
Total Sugars 3.50g
Protein 32.90g	66%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 132mg	10%
Iron 5mg	25%
Potassium 807mg	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: 76.5%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 9.1%