Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with this irresistible Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests beg for the recipe! Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned chicken infused with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons and the aromatic essence of rosemary, creating a dish that's not just a meal, but a sensory experience that will elevate your home cooking to restaurant-quality in just over an hour.
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)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken. Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the skin get crispy during roasting.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the skin evenly. Don’t forget to season the cavity of the chicken as well.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the fresh rosemary sprigs and half of the lemon slices. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it roasts.
- Place the remaining lemon slices on top of the chicken and around it in the roasting pan. This will not only add flavor but also create a beautiful presentation.
- Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan or a large oven-safe skillet. Make sure it is positioned breast side up to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. The skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
- After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with the roasted lemon slices and any pan juices drizzled on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious Roasted Lemon Rosemary Chicken!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible. Moisture is the enemy of crispy roasted chicken!
- Don't be shy with seasoning - make sure to season both under and over the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after roasting. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try using fresh herbs from your garden or local market. The fresher the rosemary, the more aromatic your chicken will be!
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can start the roasting at a higher temperature (450°F) for the first 15 minutes, then reduce to 425°F for the remaining cooking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
