Impress your family and friends with this delicious Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken recipe! Bursting with fresh flavors from lemon and herbs, this dish is simple to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Follow easy steps to achieve juicy, flavorful chicken with crispy skin that will elevate your dinner game.
1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 lbs)
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 large lemons (one for zesting and juicing, the other sliced)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 medium onion, cut into quarters
Fresh parsley, for garnish
![- 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 lbs) - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 large lemons (one for zesting and juicing, the other sliced) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary) - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 medium onion, cut into quarters - Fresh parsley, for garnish When you pick your chicken, go for organic if you can. It often tastes better and is healthier. Organic chickens are raised without harmful chemicals. If you cannot find organic, choose a good quality conventional chicken. Fresh herbs add more flavor to your dish than dried ones. Always try to use fresh thyme and rosemary. Fresh garlic and lemons are also key. They make the dish bright and lively. Using old or dried versions can dull the taste. This recipe uses garlic and lemon to create a tasty balance. Fresh garlic brings out a strong, rich flavor. Fresh lemons add a zesty kick. Together, they make this dish stand out. You can find the full recipe above. 1. Preheat the oven: First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature will help the skin of the chicken get crispy. 2. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk all these ingredients well to create a smooth marinade. 3. Dry the chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This step is key to getting that crispy skin. 4. Marinate the chicken: Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Spoon half the marinade under the skin and inside the cavity. Rub the rest of the marinade all over the chicken skin. 5. Stuff the cavity: Place the quartered onion and lemon slices inside the chicken. This adds moisture and flavor while it roasts. 1. Truss the chicken (optional): If you want, tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Tuck the wing tips under the body to help it cook evenly. 2. Roast the chicken: Put the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. To check if it’s done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking. 3. Rest the chicken: After roasting, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial. It helps keep the meat juicy and packed with flavor. Follow these steps, and you'll create a flavorful Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken that will impress everyone at your dinner table. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken, start by drying the skin well. Pat it with paper towels until it feels dry. This step makes a huge difference in how the skin crisps up when roasted. Next, for even browning, place the chicken breast-side up in the roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate properly. Basting the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking also helps achieve that golden color. You can boost the flavors of your Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken by adding more herbs and spices. Try mixing in some oregano or basil to the marinade for a fresh twist. If you want to switch things up, consider alternative marinades. A mix of honey and mustard can add a sweet kick. Or use orange juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_4}} You can cook lemon garlic roasted chicken in many ways. If you want a quick option, try using an Instant Pot. It cooks the chicken fast and keeps it juicy. Just follow the same marinade method. Place the chicken in the pot with a cup of broth and cook for about 25 minutes. A slow cooker is another great choice. It gives a tender and flavorful result. Coat the chicken with the marinade, place it in the slow cooker, and cook on low for about 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken fall-off-the-bone tender. Grilling is a fun way to add smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken as usual, then place it on a hot grill. Cook it for about 45 minutes, turning it often. This gives the chicken a crispy skin and a nice char. You can also mix up the flavors in this dish. For a touch of sweetness, add honey or mustard to the marinade. This adds a nice balance to the lemon's tartness. You can use about one tablespoon of honey or mustard for great results. Try combining other citrus fruits with the lemon. Oranges and limes work well. They add a unique twist. Use the zest and juice from these fruits for the marinade. This can brighten the dish and enhance the flavor in an exciting way. For more cooking tips, check out the Full Recipe. It has all the details needed to create your perfect lemon garlic roasted chicken. After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken, store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. - Refrigeration: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it before sealing. - Freezing: If you want to keep the chicken longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Reheating your roasted chicken should keep it tasty and moist. - Best methods: Use the oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warm. - Maintaining moisture: To keep the chicken juicy, add a splash of broth or water to the dish before reheating. This adds steam, helping to retain moisture. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! Roasting time depends on the chicken's weight. Here are the general guidelines: - For a 3 to 4 lb chicken, roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. - For a 4 to 5 lb chicken, aim for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. - Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's done. Yes, you can use boneless chicken. Here’s how to adapt the recipe: - Use chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cook time. - Marinate the chicken just like the whole chicken. - Roast the boneless parts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables, like carrots and potatoes. - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. - Garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the juices. Feel free to explore more with the Full Recipe for Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken! Roasting a whole chicken is simple and rewarding. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh herbs to quality chicken. You learned essential steps for prepping and roasting, plus tips for crispy skin. Variations like grilling or using spices add fun twists. Finally, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. With this knowledge, you can make delicious lemon garlic roasted chicken. Enjoy trying different methods and flavors. Happy cooking!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/d5a22143-ed04-4f1f-ac97-d5ad18b5d12e-250x250.webp)