Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with this irresistible Garlic Roast Chicken with Lemon recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned chicken infused with aromatic garlic, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs, delivering a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. This isn't just another chicken recipe – it's a guaranteed showstopper that promises restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Instructions
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant herb rub.
- Gently loosen the skin of the chicken with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread the garlic herb mixture evenly under the skin and over the entire surface of the chicken.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the halved lemon and additional fresh herb sprigs. This will infuse the meat with citrus and herbal aromatics during roasting.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep the meat moist and help develop a golden, crispy skin.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired. The roasted lemon can be squeezed over the chicken for extra brightness.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Skin is Key: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step guarantees that irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Herb Rub Technique: Gently loosen the skin before applying the herb mixture to maximize flavor penetration.
- Trussing Helps: Tying the legs together helps the chicken cook more evenly and maintains a beautiful presentation.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Don't guess – always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat.
- Basting Bonus: Regular basting keeps the meat moist and helps develop a gorgeous, glossy skin.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 135mg
