Lemon garlic roasted chicken
When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as universally beloved as roasted chicken. And while there are countless ways to prepare this iconic entree, few variations are as bright and flavorful as lemon garlic roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 2 lemons
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Before you start cooking, make sure your oven is hot and ready to go. This will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and turns out delicious.
2. Prepare the chicken.
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, place it in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan.
3. Make the marinade.
Combine the juice of one lemon, minced garlic, olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix well. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
4. Stuff the chicken.
Cut the second lemon into quarters and stuff it into the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse the bird with extra flavor and help keep it moist during cooking.
5. Roast the chicken.
Place the chicken in the oven and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the chicken with the juices from the pan every 15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Let it rest.
Once your chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.
7. Carve and serve.
After letting the chicken rest, carve it up and serve it with your favorite sides. Try pairing it with roasted root vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for Success:
- If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating step and simply rub the chicken with the olive oil, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting.
- For extra crispy skin, try cooking your chicken under the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking time.
- If you don't have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice instead (just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly).
- Be sure to let your chicken rest before carving it. This will make it easier to slice and help ensure that it stays juicy.
There's something incredibly satisfying about roasting a whole chicken – it's simple, rustic, and always delicious. And with a bright and savory lemon garlic marinade, this classic dish becomes even more irresistible. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the flavors of comfort food at their best!