Lemon 🍋 Roasted Chicken 🍗
Lemon 🍋 Roasted Chicken 🍗
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 roasting chicken, about 4 pounds
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425F.Quarter the lemon and squeeze juice into a small bowl. Save lemon sections. Rinse chicken in cold water, inside and out; pat dry.
Place chicken in a roasting pan and season cavity with salt and pepper.
Place lemon sections, garlic, rosemary and thyme in cavity. Tie legs with twine and tuck wings underneath chicken. By sealing the cavity, the spices will steam from the inside out.
Brush entire chicken with about 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika. Surround chicken with potatoes and drizzle them with the remaining oil.
Combine chicken broth with lemon juice and pour over potatoes.
Place pan in oven and roast for 20 minutes. Then reduce temperature to 350F and roast another 1-1 1/2 hours, basting with pan juices every 15 minutes. When done, a meat thermometer placed in the joint of the body and leg should read 180F.
Let chicken set 10 minutes before carving.
Serve with pan juices.
Lemon Roasted Chicken is a classic dish that blends the freshness of lemon with savory herbs and tender chicken. The key to this recipe is the use of rosemary and thyme, which infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for gatherings. For optimal results, choosing a good quality roasting chicken is essential. Aim for about 4 pounds for even cooking. Basting the chicken with its own juices during roasting helps to keep the meat juicy and enhances the flavors. Don't forget to let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist chicken. Pair this Lemon Roasted Chicken with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also experiment by adding seasonal vegetables to the roasting pan for a complete dinner in one dish. For an added kick, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the lemon juice and olive oil mixture; this enhances the flavors and ensures a moist, flavorful roast. Enjoy this delightful recipe with your loved ones!