Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken infused with lemon, garlic, herbs, and roasted until golden with optional vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 whole chicken (approximately 3.3 lbs)

→ Marinade

02 - 1 large lemon, zested and quartered
03 - 6 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1.5 teaspoons dried)
07 - 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
08 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables (optional for roasting)

09 - 1 large onion, quartered
10 - 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
11 - 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place breast side up in a roasting pan or ovenproof skillet.
03 - In a small bowl, mix lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper.
04 - Rub marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin of breast and thighs to maximize flavor penetration.
05 - Place quartered lemon, optional garlic cloves, and half of the onion inside the chicken cavity.
06 - Scatter remaining onion, carrots, and celery around the chicken in the pan if using.
07 - Tie chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings underneath for even cooking.
08 - Cook chicken in preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest thigh area.
09 - Halfway through roasting, baste chicken with pan juices to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
10 - Allow chicken to rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables and pan juices.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • This recipe feels like sharing a delightful secret with a close friend who appreciates flavors that sing together effortlessly
  • The crispy skin paired with juicy, tender meat makes every bite a little celebration
02 -
  • Getting the chicken as dry as possible before roasting is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin
  • Trussing the chicken not only looks neat but helps the meat cook evenly and retain moisture
03 -
  • For the best flavor, rub the chicken a day ahead and let it marinate overnight in the fridge
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep every bite juicy and tender

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