Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken 🍗🍋

This delightful roasted chicken recipe is bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. The zesty lemon combined with aromatic garlic results in a juicy, tender chicken that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal!

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lemons (one for juice, one for slices)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish

For serving

• Your favorite roasted vegetables
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).

• In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, juice of one lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.

🌟 Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your personal preference. More garlic adds delicious depth, while less will keep it subtle.

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.

• Slice the remaining lemon and place the slices inside the cavity of the chicken along with some fresh herbs if desired.

• Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

⏱️ If the chicken is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing it to cook through.

• Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices.

Tips for Success

• Cooking Time: A general rule of thumb is to roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Adjust time according to your oven's performance.
• Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, let the chicken rest uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours before roasting—this dries it out and enhances crispy texture.
• Flavor Boost: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic-lemon mixture for 1-2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Herbaceous: Add other herbs like parsley, sage, or dill to the marinade for different flavor profiles.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce into the marinade for a flavorful heat.
• Citrus Medley: Use a mix of citrus fruits, like oranges or limes, for a brighter taste.
• Slow Cooker: You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until tender.

Enjoy this zesty lemon garlic roasted chicken as a centerpiece for your meal, and savor the tender, flavorful results! 🍽️✨