Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, featuring succulent meat beneath a beautifully crisp skin infused with a zesty lemon essence. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy gathering, promising to impress your loved ones with its aromatic blend of herbs and citrus. Legend has it that serving this chicken could lead to a memorable proposal moment, so set the mood and let the aromas work their magic! Ideal for pairs or small families, this recipe creates a heartwarming and satisfying meal that leaves a lasting impression.
2-3
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken
3 lbs (Cleaned and giblets removed)
Medium lemons
2 (Pricked and ready for stuffing)
Fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Kosher salt or sea salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Position the rack in the upper third of your oven and preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the chicken inside and out with cold water, then remove the giblets. Place the chicken upright in a colander to drain until it reaches room temperature, approximately 15 minutes. Pat the chicken dry using paper towels.
3
Generously pour the fresh lemon juice over the chicken, ensuring to coat both the interior and exterior. Season generously with kosher or sea salt and ground black pepper.
4
Prick the medium lemons three times with a fork and stuff them deep into the chicken's cavity. (Tip: If the lemons are firm, gently roll them on the countertop to release more juice.)
5
Now, place the chicken breast-side down on a rack set inside a roasting pan and lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
6
Carefully remove the chicken from the oven and, using wooden spoons for safety, turn it breast-side up. Return it to the oven and roast for an additional 35 minutes.
7
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, test its doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh; it should read 180°F (82°C), or the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. If necessary, extend the cooking time.
8
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
9
Serve the chicken drizzled with its pan juices, accompanied by boiled new potatoes tossed in olive oil and fresh chopped parsley or steamed asparagus with butter.
10
Enjoy this delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
3g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken?
It is a dish featuring succulent meat and crisp skin infused with a zesty lemon essence and aromatic herbs, perfect for romantic dinners.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need a 3 lb whole chicken, 2 medium lemons, 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 to 3 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) initially.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the upper third of the oven.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Wash the chicken inside and out, remove giblets, drain for 15 minutes until room temperature, and pat dry with paper towels.
How should I season the chicken?
Pour fresh lemon juice over the interior and exterior, then season generously with salt and ground black pepper.
Why should I prick the lemons?
Pricking the lemons three times with a fork helps them release more juice and flavor while roasting inside the cavity.
What temperature do I roast the chicken at?
After the initial preheating, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for roasting.
Should the chicken be breast-side up or down first?
The chicken should start roasting breast-side down for the first 15 minutes.
How long should the chicken roast breast-side up?
The chicken should roast breast-side up for an additional 35 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius) in the thigh.
How can I tell if the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
Why must the chicken rest after cooking?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and flavorful.
What side dishes are recommended with this chicken?
It is delicious served with boiled new potatoes in olive oil and parsley or steamed asparagus with butter.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carbohydrate recipe?
Yes, with only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb option.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 23 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh lemon juice for the best flavor profile.
How long should the chicken drain?
The chicken should drain for approximately 15 minutes to reach room temperature.
Should the chicken be roasted covered or uncovered?
The chicken should be baked uncovered to allow the skin to become beautifully crisp.
What size chicken should I buy?
A 3 lb whole chicken is ideal for this recipe.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for beginners and those looking for a simple yet impressive meal.
What should I do with the pan juices?
Serve the chicken drizzled with the flavorful pan juices for extra moisture and taste.
How many lemons are stuffed inside the cavity?
Two medium lemons are pricked and stuffed deep into the cavity.
What is the preparation for the lemons?
If the lemons are firm, gently roll them on the countertop before pricking to release more juice.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains zero grams of sugar.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Whole Chicken recipes.
Does the recipe include fiber?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no fiber in this specific dish.