Here’s a list of all the ingredients for a **lemon herbed roasted chicken** main dish, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better in search results:
- **Whole chicken** (3-4 lbs, organic or free-range for best flavor)
- **Fresh lemons** (2-3, for zest and juice)
- **Garlic cloves** (4-6, minced or whole for roasting)
- **Fresh rosemary** (2-3 sprigs, finely chopped)
- **Fresh thyme** (2-3 sprigs, leaves removed)
- **Fresh parsley** (1/4 cup, chopped for garnish)
- **Extra virgin olive oil** (3-4 tbsp, for marinating and basting)
- **Sea salt** (1-2 tsp, or to taste)
- **Black pepper** (1 tsp, freshly ground)
- **Onion** (1 large, quartered for stuffing)
- **Carrots** (3-4, peeled and chopped for roasting)
- **Celery stalks** (2-3, chopped for roasting)
- **Potatoes** (4-5, Yukon gold or red, quartered for roasting)
- **Paprika** (1 tsp, for added flavor and color)
- **Dried oregano** (1 tsp, optional for extra herb flavor)
- **Butter** (2-3 tbsp, optional for basting and richness)
This **lemon herbed roasted chicken recipe** is perfect for a **healthy dinner idea**, **family meal**, or **holiday feast**. The combination of **fresh herbs**, **citrus flavors**, and **roasted vegetables** makes it a **crowd-pleasing dish** that’s both **easy to prepare** and **nutritious**.
Steps
# How to Make Lemon Herbed Roasted Chicken: A Flavorful Main Dish
Lemon herbed roasted chicken is a classic, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken for a meal that’s both juicy and delicious. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering roasted chicken dish that will impress your guests.
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## **Ingredients for Lemon Herbed Roasted Chicken**
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- 2 lemons (1 for juicing, 1 for slicing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4-5 garlic cloves, whole
- 1 cup chicken broth (optional, for basting)
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **425°F (220°C)**. This high temperature ensures a crispy skin and juicy interior.
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### **2. Prepare the Chicken**
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Season the chicken inside and out with **salt** and **black pepper**.
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### **3. Make the Lemon Herb Mixture**
- In a small bowl, combine **olive oil**, **minced garlic**, **rosemary**, **thyme**, and **parsley**.
- Add the juice of one lemon and mix well to create a fragrant herb paste.
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### **4. Season the Chicken**
- Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and rub half of the lemon herb mixture underneath the skin. This infuses the meat with flavor.
- Rub the remaining mixture over the outside of the chicken for a flavorful crust.
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### **5. Stuff the Chicken**
- Stuff the cavity with **quartered onion**, **whole garlic cloves**, and **lemon slices** from the second lemon. This adds moisture and aroma to the chicken as it roasts.
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### **6. Roast the Chicken**
- Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Pour **chicken broth** into the bottom of the pan (optional) to keep the chicken moist and create a flavorful pan sauce.
- Roast in the preheated oven for **1 hour and 15 minutes**, or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (74°C)** when measured with a meat thermometer.
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### **7. Baste and Rest**
- Every 20-30 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for **10-15 minutes** before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.
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### **8. Serve and Enjoy**
- Carve the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Drizzle with the pan juices for extra flavor.
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## **Tips for Perfect Lemon Herbed Roasted Chicken**
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. If unavailable, substitute with 1 tsp of dried herbs for each fresh herb.
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry again before roasting.
- Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the roasting pan for a complete one-pan meal.
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This **lemon herbed roasted chicken** recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining bright citrus flavors with savory herbs for a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy the delicious results!