Description
Mediterranean-style lemon herb roasted chicken emerges as a culinary masterpiece blending zesty citrus with fragrant herbs. Succulent chicken promises a delightful dining experience that transports diners to sun-drenched coastal kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs/1.8–2.3 kg)
- 4 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsps lemon zest
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tsps fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tsps fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 carrots (optional, chopped)
- 2 potatoes (optional, chopped)
- 1 onion (optional, chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) with a rack positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Thoroughly cleanse the chicken under cool running water, then meticulously dry using fresh paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Create a vibrant marinade by blending olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, aromatic herbs, salt, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Gently massage the fragrant marinade across the entire chicken surface, carefully working the mixture underneath the skin to enhance flavor penetration.
- Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, enabling the herbs and citrus to infuse deep into the meat.
- Prepare accompanying vegetables by chopping them into uniform pieces and arranging them around the chicken in a spacious roasting pan.
- Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and cook for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, monitoring until the chicken’s internal temperature precisely reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest undisturbed for 12-15 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness before carving.
Notes
- Maximize flavor absorption by gently separating the skin from the chicken meat before applying marinade.
- Create a more tender result by brining the chicken for 2-3 hours before roasting to enhance moisture retention.
- Customize herb blends with seasonal fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for varied taste profiles.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb, gluten-free meal by avoiding added starches and focusing on clean, whole ingredients.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg