Garlic-Lemon Infused Roast Chicken
Experience the irresistible flavors of tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. This Garlic-Lemon Infused Roast Chicken is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The combination of fresh herbs, warm spices, and a rich buttery layer creates a succulent dish that is sure to impress your guests. Follow this detailed recipe to perfectly roast a chicken that will be the centerpiece of your meal, leaving your kitchen filled with delightful aromas!
4
Servings
600
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
lemon
1 (halved and juiced, halves reserved)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (dried)
sweet paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon (ground)
hot paprika
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for seasoning)
chicken
3 lbs (whole)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
On a cutting board, mince the garlic cloves and combine them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This will help extract the garlic's flavor.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, sweet paprika, ground cumin, hot paprika, and fresh ground pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until well combined.
4
Gently loosen the skin of the chicken over the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, taking care not to tear it.
5
Season the chicken's cavity with salt and pepper, then place it in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
6
Using a small spoon, carefully spread all but 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture under the skin of the chicken, ensuring it's evenly distributed across all sections.
7
Rub softened unsalted butter directly under the skin of the breast meat to enrich the flavor and moisture.
8
Take the remaining tablespoon of the seasoned oil and rub it all over the exterior of the chicken. Season the outside generously with salt.
9
Insert the reserved lemon halves into the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.
10
Using kitchen twine, tie the chicken’s legs together to ensure even cooking and to maintain moisture.
11
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the juices run clear, and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
12
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 15 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
13
Tilt the chicken to drain the juices from the cavity into the pan, then transfer the chicken to a carving board.
14
Pour the collected pan juices into a bowl and skim off any excess fat from the surface.
15
Strain the juices into a small saucepan, keeping them warm over low heat.
16
Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve with the warm pan juices drizzled on top.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this roast chicken?
The chicken is infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, fresh rosemary, and a blend of warm spices like paprika and cumin.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the garlic for the seasoning rub?
Mince the garlic cloves and combine them with one teaspoon of kosher salt to help extract the flavor.
What ingredients are in the seasoning mixture?
The mixture includes minced garlic, lemon juice, dried rosemary, sweet paprika, ground cumin, hot paprika, fresh ground pepper, and olive oil.
How should I apply the seasoning to the chicken?
Most of the seasoning is spread under the loosened skin of the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, with one tablespoon reserved for the exterior.
Why is butter used under the chicken skin?
Softened unsalted butter is rubbed under the breast skin to enrich the flavor and keep the meat moist during roasting.
What should be placed inside the chicken cavity?
Season the cavity with salt and pepper, and then insert the reserved lemon halves for extra flavor.
Why do I need to tie the chicken legs together?
Using kitchen twine to tie the legs ensures even cooking and helps the chicken retain its moisture.
How long does the chicken take to roast?
The chicken typically roasts for about 1.5 hours until the juices run clear.
How can I tell when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Is resting the chicken necessary?
Yes, resting the chicken for 15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more succulent.
What should I do with the pan juices?
Collect the juices, skim off the fat, strain them, and keep them warm to serve as a drizzle over the carved meat.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 37.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 37.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 12.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What size chicken should I use?
This recipe calls for a 3 lb whole chicken.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
What type of paprika is required?
The recipe uses a combination of sweet paprika and hot paprika.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for both family dinners and special occasions due to its impressive presentation and aroma.
What kind of oil is best for the rub?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the seasoning mixture.
How do I prepare the lemon?
The lemon should be halved and juiced; the juice goes into the rub while the halves go into the cavity.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
How do I handle the pan juices before serving?
Tilt the chicken to drain cavity juices into the pan, skim the fat, strain the liquid, and warm it in a saucepan.
What is the purpose of ground cumin in this recipe?
Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy spice layer to the lemon-garlic infusion.
How is the exterior of the chicken seasoned?
It is rubbed with a tablespoon of seasoned oil and generously seasoned with salt.
Does this recipe include fiber or sugar?
The provided nutritional data lists fiber and sugar as null or not present in significant amounts.
What tools are needed for the pan juices?
You will need a roasting pan, a bowl for skimming fat, and a small saucepan for straining and warming.
How should the chicken be presented?
Carve the chicken into serving pieces and drizzle the warm, prepared pan juices over the top before serving.