Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken | getcakerecipes (2024)

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering. This recipe combines the zesty freshness of lemon and herbs with tender, juicy chicken for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

ServingsTotal
61hr 25mins

Table of Contents

History of Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

The origins of Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken are a bit unclear, but the combination of lemon and herbs has likely been used in cooking for centuries. Lemons have long been prized for their bright, tangy flavor, while herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley add depth and complexity to dishes. When roasted, the chicken takes on these flavors beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of character.

Why Choose Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a great choice for many reasons. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients. The combination of lemon and herbs creates a deliciously fragrant aroma that will fill your kitchen as it cooks. Plus, chicken is a versatile and affordable protein that’s easy to find at any grocery store.

What to Have with Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The bright flavors of the chicken complement the earthy flavors of the side dishes perfectly.

Is Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Healthy?

Yes, Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken can be a healthy choice, especially if you use lean cuts of chicken and limit added fats like olive oil. Chicken is a good source of protein and is relatively low in fat, making it a nutritious option for a balanced diet. The addition of fresh herbs and lemon adds flavor without adding extra calories or unhealthy ingredients.

Kitchen Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Cooking twine
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken | getcakerecipes (1)

Directions:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to make a paste.
  • Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
  • Place the quartered lemons inside the chicken cavity.
  • Tie the legs together with cooking twine and tuck the wings under the body of the chicken.
  • Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan.
  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Tips

  • For extra crispy skin, you can start roasting the chicken at a higher temperature (around 450°F/230°C) for the first 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 425°F/220°C for the remaining cooking time.
  • Feel free to customize the herb mixture to suit your tastes. Other herbs that work well with lemon and chicken include sage, oregano, and basil.

Conclusion

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a classic dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its bright flavors and tender, juicy meat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try tonight?

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Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken | getcakerecipes (2)

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken | getcakerecipes (3)getcakerecipes

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a delightful dish that's bursting with flavor. It's perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering. This recipe combines the zesty freshness of lemon and herbs with tender, juicy chicken for a meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Chicken Recipes

Servings 6

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan

  • Cooking twine

  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  • Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

  • In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to make a paste.

  • Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.

  • Place the quartered lemons inside the chicken cavity.

  • Tie the legs together with cooking twine and tuck the wings under the body of the chicken.

  • Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.

  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Keyword Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

FAQs

  1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? While fresh herbs are preferred for this recipe, you can substitute dried herbs if necessary. Use about half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh.
  2. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free tolet me know!

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken | getcakerecipes (2024)

FAQs

What does putting a lemon in a chicken do? ›

Tenderizing the Meat: Lemon juice can help tenderize the chicken by breaking down the fibers in the meat.

What does Ina Garten serve with Herb Lemon Chicken? ›

The sauce has garlic, thyme and lemon, and has so much flavor," Garten says. "And the whole thing takes like 5 minutes to put together... The best thing about this is that it makes the chicken and the sauce at the same time." Serve it over rice or quinoa, and the grains can absorb all of the sauce, Garten recommends.

What are the best herbs to cook with chicken? ›

5 Best Herbs To Use For Chicken
  1. Basil. Basil is a perfect herb to use in many chicken dishes. ...
  2. Oregano. Used widely, dried oregano is related to the mint. ...
  3. Rosemary. When it comes to chicken, using rosemary is a perfect collaboration. ...
  4. Thyme. Thyme's flavour profile is a delicate herb to add to your chicken dish. ...
  5. Tarragon.
Jun 28, 2022

Why do you rub lemon on chicken before cooking? ›

Like pickling, smoking, and curing, the practice of rinsing chicken with lemon juice probably started out as a way to neutralize any off-aromas in the meat and cut down on bacteria.

Why do people soak chicken in lemon? ›

Lemon juice (Citrus limon) is a widely used ingredient of meat marinades, most often used as a preservative and improver of sensory properties of products [21,22].

What spices complement lemon? ›

Lemon. Herbs and Spices: Pairs really well with lemongrass, cardamom, thyme, basil, cilantro, ginger, coriander, nutmeg, and tarragon. Foods: Pairs really well with other citrus flavours, carrot, cranberry, seafood, and bacon.

Do you bake chicken thighs covered or uncovered? ›

Don't Cover the Chicken.

When baking chicken thighs with the skin on, you're trying to achieve crispy chicken thighs in the oven. Therefore, leaving them uncovered ensures a crispy skin that turns perfectly golden.

What is the most flavorful way to cook chicken? ›

Flavor Trick #1: Marinate Whole or Sliced Chicken Breasts for 30 to 90 Minutes Before Cooking. Marinating not only adds flavor, but the combination of healthy fat and acid in most recipes also helps tenderize the meat.

What spices bring out the flavor of chicken? ›

5 best spice and herbs blends for chicken and meat
  • Paprika and garlic powder. Paprika is a great spice that makes any chicken dish stand out, it comes in many forms sweet, hot, regular and smoky. ...
  • Basil and rosemary. ...
  • Ginger and lemongrass. ...
  • Turmeric and chili. ...
  • Coriander and cumin.

How can I increase the flavor of my chicken? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

Is it better to roast or bake a chicken? ›

Result: Baking tends to produce a more evenly cooked chicken with tender meat and a crispy skin. It's often used for whole chickens, chicken pieces, or chic.

Why do we wrap in aluminum foil when we roast chicken? ›

It's always a great idea to cover your dishes with aluminum foil while cooking at high temperatures in the oven. It protects your food from drying out or burning and helps keep in the heat and moisture, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal. Loosely covering your dish with foil can prevent uneven browning while baking.

What's the difference between roast chicken and roasted chicken? ›

Roast chicken and roasted chicken are the same thing. Either one is correct. There are two terms because people in different geographical areas used different terms for the same thing.

Is it good to squeeze lemon on chicken? ›

The juices that run out are perfectly delicious. Be sure to spoon them over the chicken slices. The lemons will have shriveled up, but they still contain some juice; do not squeeze them, they may squirt.

Why do people put lemon in meat? ›

Lemon juice is a great meat tenderizer; the acidity gently breaks down the protein fibers in meat, according to Science Learning Hub. That leaves it scrumptiously fork-tender. “You can simply coat a piece of meat with lemon juice for at least one hour before cooking to improve tenderness,” Rifkin says.

How long can you leave lemon on chicken? ›

The reason you do not want to marinate chicken for longer than 4 hours is that the acidic ingredients in the marinade (like vinegar, wine, or lemon juice) will begin to break down the structure of the meat too much and it will start to “cook” before ever touching a heat source.

Why put an onion in a chicken? ›

Lemon, herbs, onions, and garlic too are all aromatics that infuse into the chicken as it cooks giving it a lovely flavor. It doesn't absorb the flavors enough to call it a lemon chicken, but gives the chicken some flavor depth and acts as an enhancement.

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