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Crispy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

crispy lemon herb roasted chicken - featured image
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A simple and delicious roasted chicken recipe featuring crispy skin, juicy tender meat, and bright lemon herb flavors. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs / 1.4 to 1.8 kg)
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 3 sprigs thyme
  • A handful of parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1 medium onion, quartered (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, olive oil, softened butter, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and thighs by sliding your fingers between the skin and flesh without tearing it.
  4. Spread about two-thirds of the lemon herb mixture under the skin, coating the meat evenly. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  5. Stuff the quartered onion and lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
  6. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
  7. Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth or water into the pan to keep the environment moist.
  8. Roast the chicken for 60-70 minutes. Start checking with a meat thermometer after 50 minutes by inserting it into the thickest thigh without touching bone. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. If the skin isn’t crispy enough, increase the oven temperature to broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  11. Carve the chicken against the grain and spoon any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken skin dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking. Rest the chicken after roasting to keep it juicy. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly. Basting is optional. For dairy-free, skip butter and add more olive oil. Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried at one-third the amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken, lemon herb chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, juicy chicken, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/crispy-lemon-herb-roasted-chicken-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-meat/