This citrus-herb roasted chicken is a delightful blend of bright lemon and fragrant herbs that infuse the meat with a robust flavor. The lemon slices inside the cavity add a tangy essence, while the herbs provide a savory depth. Roasted to golden perfection, the chicken is juicy and tender, making it a satisfying main course. Accompanied by roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is a comforting and flavorful choice for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients:
- Whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 lemons
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Potatoes and carrots (optional, for roasting alongside chicken)
Steps
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the whole chicken, approximately 3-4 pounds, under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Seasoning: Next, prepare the chicken for seasoning. Cut one lemon into slices and stuff them inside the cavity of the chicken along with several sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This will infuse the chicken with a delightful citrusy and herbaceous aroma as it roasts. Rub the outside of the chicken generously with olive oil to help seal in moisture and enhance the crispiness of the skin. Season the chicken liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Roasting: Place the prepared chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Scatter additional lemon slices, herbs, and whole garlic cloves around the chicken in the pan. Optionally, you can add potatoes and carrots around the chicken to roast alongside it, absorbing the flavorful juices as they cook. This step not only enhances the taste but also creates a complete meal in one dish.
- Baking: Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices halfway through cooking to ensure it remains moist and flavorful. The chicken is ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or skewer.
- Resting and Serving: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest in the roasting pan for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. Carve the chicken into portions and serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits besides lemon. Try using oranges or a combination of lemon and lime for a tangy twist on the flavor profile.
- Herb Combinations: Change up the herb mixture to suit your taste preferences. Consider using herbs like sage, basil, oregano, or tarragon along with or instead of rosemary and thyme.
- Spice Rub: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a spice rub to the chicken before roasting. Create a blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite spices to give the dish a bit of heat or additional depth.
- Butter Basting: For extra richness and flavor, baste the chicken with melted butter during roasting. This adds a golden sheen to the skin and infuses the meat with a buttery taste.
- Grilled Variation: Instead of roasting, grill the chicken over indirect heat on a barbecue. This method imparts a smoky flavor to the meat while still allowing the citrus and herbs to shine through.
Macros
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
Frequently asked questions
- How do I ensure my roasted chicken stays juicy?
- Properly patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy skin. Additionally, basting the chicken with its pan juices during roasting helps keep it moist. Letting the chicken rest after roasting also allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juiciness.
- Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
- Yes, you can use chicken parts such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different parts may require different roasting times.
- What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting the chicken?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the chicken in the oven to ensure even cooking and a crispy skin.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (not touching bone) to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The juices should also run clear when pierced with a fork.
- What are some suitable side dishes to serve with Citrus-Herb Roasted Chicken?
- Roasted vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors of the chicken well. You can also serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Citrus-herb Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
This citrus-herb roasted chicken is a delightful blend of bright lemon and fragrant herbs that infuse the meat with a robust flavor. The lemon slices inside the cavity add a tangy essence, while the herbs provide a savory depth.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken about 3-4 pounds
- 2 lemons
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Potatoes and carrots optional, for roasting alongside chicken
Instructions
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the whole chicken, approximately 3-4 pounds, under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Seasoning: Next, prepare the chicken for seasoning. Cut one lemon into slices and stuff them inside the cavity of the chicken along with several sprigs of fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This will infuse the chicken with a delightful citrusy and herbaceous aroma as it roasts. Rub the outside of the chicken generously with olive oil to help seal in moisture and enhance the crispiness of the skin. Season the chicken liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Roasting: Place the prepared chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Scatter additional lemon slices, herbs, and whole garlic cloves around the chicken in the pan. Optionally, you can add potatoes and carrots around the chicken to roast alongside it, absorbing the flavorful juices as they cook. This step not only enhances the taste but also creates a complete meal in one dish.
- Baking: Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices halfway through cooking to ensure it remains moist and flavorful. The chicken is ready when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or skewer.
- Resting and Serving: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest in the roasting pan for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. Carve the chicken into portions and serve it hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.