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Crispy Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Fresh Herbs

crispy roasted chicken with lemon and fresh herbs - featured image
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A simple and delicious roasted chicken recipe featuring crispy skin, zesty lemon, and fragrant fresh herbs. Perfect for family dinners and dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs / 1.8-2.3 kg), organic or free-range recommended
  • Unsalted butter (4 tbsp / 60 g), softened
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice, half reserved for stuffing inside the chicken cavity)
  • Fresh herbs (a handful each of rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp / 30 ml)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: smoked paprika (1 tsp)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position.
  2. Remove giblets from the chicken if any, then pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. Carefully loosen the skin over the breasts to create pockets. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin and rub the rest all over the outside of the chicken.
  5. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves, remaining herbs, and a couple of smashed garlic cloves.
  6. Truss the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
  7. Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season generously with salt and pepper.
  8. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately 20 minutes per pound). Halfway through roasting, baste the chicken with pan juices.
  9. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not done, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Notes

Pat the chicken skin very dry before seasoning to ensure crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest after roasting to keep it juicy. If you don’t have a roasting rack, place the chicken on chopped onions or carrots to elevate it. For dairy-free options, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken, crispy chicken, lemon chicken, fresh herbs, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/crispy-roasted-chicken-with-lemon-and-fresh-herbs-easy-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/