Scrumptious Roasted Chicken with Herbs and Lemon: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon of salt
1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
1 tablespoon of dried thyme
1 whole lemon
4 cloves of garlic
1 large onion
4-5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, then dry it thoroughly with paper towels.
Brush the outside of the chicken with the olive oil.
Mix the salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
Cut the lemon in half and place it inside the chicken cavity along with the garlic, onion, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast side up.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.

Tools for making

Roasting pan - A large, oven-safe pan used to roast the chicken.
Basting brush - A brush with bristles used to evenly coat the chicken with olive oil.
Small bowl - Used for mixing the salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried thyme.
Paper towels - Used to thoroughly dry the chicken after rinsing.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for carving the chicken after it is cooked.
Sharp knife - Used for carving the chicken.

Recipe variations

Use different herbs: Instead of dried rosemary and thyme, try using fresh herbs like sage, parsley, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Add spice: Sprinkle some smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to give the chicken a spicy kick.
Experiment with citrus: Instead of lemon, try using lime or orange to infuse the chicken with a different citrusy flavor.
Garlic lovers: Increase the number of garlic cloves or add garlic powder to enhance the garlic flavor.
Herb butter: Create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with chopped fresh herbs and spread it under the chicken skin before roasting.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with a whole cauliflower or a combination of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips for a delicious vegetarian roasted vegetable dish.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal instead of regular flour for a gluten-free crust.
Smoky twist: Add a smoky flavor by using smoked sea salt or smoked paprika in the seasoning mixture.
Sweet and savory: Drizzle the chicken with a bit of honey or maple syrup before roasting to add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
Spiced marinade: Marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of yogurt, spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with lemon juice for a flavorful Indian-inspired roasted chicken.

Recipe overview

This deliciously roasted chicken with herbs and lemon makes for a perfect and comforting meal. Using a simple combination of essential kitchen herbs like rosemary and thyme, paired with the tangy freshness of lemon, this recipe brings to life a chicken that's crispy on the outside, yet juicy and flavorful on the inside. Roasting the chicken at a high temperature ensures a beautifully browned skin, while the aromatics inside the chicken infuse it with a mouth-watering aroma that fills your kitchen. This recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare, promising a hearty meal that's sure to impress at any dinner table.

Common questions

How long should I roast the chicken?
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary and dried thyme with fresh herbs. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme for this recipe.
Should I remove the lemon and other ingredients from the cavity before carving?
Yes, before carving the chicken, remove the lemon, garlic, onion, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme from the cavity.
Can I use a different type of poultry instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use this recipe for roasting other types of poultry such as turkey or Cornish hens. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of the bird.
Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Yes, you can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts to the roasting pan. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the vegetables accordingly.
Should I cover the chicken with foil while roasting?
No, it is not necessary to cover the chicken with foil while roasting. Roasting it uncovered will allow the skin to become crispy and golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

Roasting Pan - A large, sturdy pan with high sides used for roasting the chicken in the oven.
Basting Brush - A brush with bristles used to apply the olive oil onto the chicken.
Kitchen Twine - Used to truss the chicken, ensuring even cooking and a nicer presentation.
Meat Thermometer - A tool to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.
Carving Knife - A sharp knife used to carve the roasted chicken into serving portions.
Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for slicing and carving the chicken.
Serving Platter - A large dish or platter to present the carved chicken to your guests.
Serving Utensils - Such as tongs or a serving fork, for transferring the chicken from the roasting pan to the serving platter.

Origin stories

Roasted chicken has been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, prepared in countless ways across different cultures. However, the addition of herbs and lemon in the recipe is a signature of Mediterranean cuisine. The use of locally available herbs such as rosemary and thyme, paired with the citrusy freshness of lemon, adds a distinct flavor to the dish. This recipe's origins can be traced back to rustic country kitchens in places like Italy or Greece where such ingredients were readily available. It's said that the cooks in these regions believed in the power of simplicity, letting the natural flavors of the chicken shine through, enhanced by the aromatic herbs and zesty lemon. Even today, this philosophy holds, transforming a simple roasted chicken into a culinary delight with every bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.