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Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 49 reviews

This lemon herb roasted chicken is a juicy and flavorful main dish, perfectly golden and infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and bright lemon. It’s an easy oven-roasted chicken recipe that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions, delivering tender meat with a crispy skin and aromatic herb notes.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (45 pounds)

Herb and Lemon Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 lemons (1 zested and juiced, 1 quartered)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Optional

  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the chicken perfectly.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to help the skin crisp up when roasted.
  3. Mix Herb Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  4. Apply Mixture: Rub this herb mixture all over the entire chicken, including under the skin where you can reach, to infuse flavors deeply.
  5. Stuff the Chicken: Place the quartered lemon and onion inside the chicken cavity to add moisture and aroma during roasting.
  6. Secure the Legs: Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and maintain shape (optional).
  7. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet and roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Baste Occasionally: If desired, baste the chicken once or twice with the pan juices during roasting to keep it moist and add flavor.
  9. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
  10. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve warm, spooning some of the pan juices over the slices for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Resting the chicken after roasting ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
  • Add potatoes or carrots around the chicken in the roasting pan for an easy one-pan meal.
  • If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to 4 days.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
  • Diet: Gluten Free