Description

This Lemon Roasted Chicken recipe brings out irresistible flavors with lemon, garlic, and thyme. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner or a healthy family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 lemon, zested and halved, halves reserved for chicken cavity
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme plus more sprigs for chicken cavity
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (4- to 5-pound) whole chicken, neck and giblets removed and patted very dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
Lemon wedges and flaky sea salt for serving, optional

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and position the oven rack in the lower-middle section. Coat a roasting pan and rack with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon zest, thyme, garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper.
Gently separate the skin from the chicken meat, starting at the back opening, and spread the butter mixture underneath the skin.
Place the lemon halves and 4 to 6 sprigs of thyme into the chicken cavity. Fold the wings across the back and tie the drumsticks with kitchen twine.
Position the chicken, breast side up, on the rack in the roasting pan. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt.
Roast uncovered for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reads 170°F in the thickest part of the thigh, about 60 to 90 minutes more. For tender dark meat, aim for 175°F to 180°F.
Let the chicken rest, tented with foil, for 20 minutes before carving. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

Ensure that the chicken is patted completely dry for a crispy skin.
Optional: Add other herbs like rosemary or oregano for a unique flavor.
For additional moisture, you can baste the chicken with its juices halfway through roasting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the chicken
Calories: 400
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg