Take dinnertime to a delicious new level with Lemon Roasted Chicken – a delightful twist on a classic meal.
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We all know roasted chicken well – succulent, juicy, tender meat with crispy golden brown skin. Few foods come together as easily as roasted chicken. This lemon roasted chicken recipe is a savory twist on the classic, allowing you to enjoy the fresh taste of lemon combined with different herbs and spices. Add some nice dishes on the side, and you have a complete meal.
The aroma of citrus and herbs in the kitchen will make you wonder how long until dinner is ready. Seriously, you have to smell it for yourself – it is so enticing. Placing a quartered lemon inside the chicken cavity infuses the meat with the lemon essence from the inside out. It’s no wonder that you can often find lemon pepper rotisserie chicken at a grocery store. The flavor profile is intoxicating.
Why I Love This Lemon Roasted Chicken Recipe
Aside from the simplicity of the preparation, which I find beneficial on busy workdays, it’s a hard dish to get wrong. If you are out of one herb, you can substitute another. Oregano, basil, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and tarragon all work well with lemon. It’s fun to experiment and try different flavors. Once you put your chicken in the oven, leave it alone. No basting is necessary or advised, or you get soggy skin.
Another reason I love this recipe is the leftovers. In the FAQs below, I’ll share some of my favorite things to do with leftover lemon chicken. Be prepared to be wowed.
Is Lemon Roasted Chicken Healthy?
Roasted chicken is one of the healthiest proteins. It is low-fat, low-carb, and gluten-free and fits most dietary lifestyles. You can also use the leftover bones to make chicken bone broth, which can be used as a healthy base for other recipes. The lemon also boosts vitamin C, while olive oil brings heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory benefits.
The Secret to Delicious, Crispy Roasted Chicken Skin
The drier your skin before you add the seasonings, the crisper it will get in the oven. Use a paper towel to pat your chicken dry before rubbing the oil and seasoning mix on the outside. To maximize your chicken’s flavor, gently run your fingers under the skin from the cavity opening towards the neck. By loosening the skin, you can rub some of the seasoning blend directly on the breast and thigh meat. Smooth the skin back down and rub the seasoning on top, too.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
- 2 large lemons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for marinade; prepare chicken.
Roast
Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
Serve
Rest and carve chicken for serving.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Leftover chicken stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. I like to freeze it in individually wrapped packages to pull out for quick meals.
There’s more to chicken leftovers than sandwiches and salads. I like to use this lemon-roasted chicken in Shredded Chicken Tacos with Balsamic Strawberry Salsa. Lemon and strawberry go so well together, and you can skip the chicken preparation in the recipe, saving you time. Another great recipe that you can use the lemon chicken for is BBQ Chicken Summer Rolls. Again, eliminate cooking the chicken by using leftovers. The lemon flavor enhances this recipe and takes it to the next level.
The air fryer is a cook’s best friend as it can cut the roasting time for a chicken to about an hour. The meat is moist and juicy, and the skin is extra crispy. Every air fryer is different, so check with your model for the specific instructions, but complete the preparation as shown below.
Serving Suggestions
The drippings from the lemon-roasted chicken make a delicate gravy that tastes good when spooned over Saffron Rice. Add a side of Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, and you have a well-rounded and highly delicious meal.
Now, if you want a special treat for dessert, one of my favorite things is meringues. These Meringue Nests are easy to make, and you can top them with your favorite fruit when serving.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 pounds
- 2 large lemons
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice of one lemon, olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade both inside and outside of the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the remaining lemon, cut into quarters, inside the chicken cavity.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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