Lemon-Infused Roast Chicken
Elevate your dining experience with this zesty and flavorful Lemon-Infused Roast Chicken. Inspired by the classic Engagement Chicken recipe from Glamour Magazine, this version features a generous splash of fresh lemon juice and a quick, high-heat roasting method to achieve a crispy skin and juicy interior. The burst of citrus from both juiced and whole lemons not only enhances the natural flavors of the chicken but also creates a fragrant aroma that will delight your guests. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish ensures everyone feels loved and satisfied. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you will impress your loved ones without breaking a sweat!
6
Servings
200
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Chicken
3 lbs (cleaned and giblets removed)
Medium Lemons
4 (poke holes for juicing)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup (juiced from fresh lemons)
Kosher Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Ground Black Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the oven rack in the upper third position.
2
2. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water, ensuring the inside and outside are clean. Remove any giblets from the cavity and let the chicken drain, cavity side down, in a colander for about 15 minutes until it reaches room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
3
3. Prepare the lemons by poking several holes in each and microwaving them for 40 seconds to extract maximum juice.
4
4. Squeeze the juice from two of the lemons all over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
5
5. Puncture the whole lemons a few more times and stuff them along with two of the squeezed lemon halves deep into the chicken's cavity.
6
6. (Optional) For added richness, rub a thin layer of butter on the underside of the chicken.
7
7. Generously season the chicken with kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to season inside the cavity and under the skin where possible.
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8. Place the chicken breast-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
9
9. Carefully turn the chicken breast-side up using wooden spoons to avoid burns; return it to the oven and roast for an additional 35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches approximately 180°F (82°C) and that the juices run clear.
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10. If the chicken requires more time, keep baking, checking periodically for doneness.
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11. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps in redistributing the juices and enhances the flavor.
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12. Serve with the pan juices for a delicious, tangy finish.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
2g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon-Infused Roast Chicken?
Lemon-Infused Roast Chicken is a zesty and flavorful dish featuring a quick, high-heat roasting method that achieves crispy skin and a juicy interior, enhanced by a generous splash of fresh lemon juice.
What inspired this Lemon-Infused Roast Chicken recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic Engagement Chicken recipe originally published in Glamour Magazine.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Place the oven rack in the upper third position of the oven for the best roasting results.
How should I prepare the chicken before roasting?
Rinse the chicken under cold water, remove the giblets, let it drain for 15 minutes until it reaches room temperature, and pat it dry with paper towels.
Why do I need to microwave the lemons?
Poking holes in the lemons and microwaving them for 40 seconds helps extract the maximum amount of juice.
How many lemons are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 medium lemons for this recipe.
What goes inside the chicken cavity?
The cavity is stuffed with whole punctured lemons and two of the squeezed lemon halves.
Can I use butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can optionally rub a thin layer of butter on the underside of the chicken for added richness.
What type of salt is best for seasoning?
The recipe recommends using kosher salt or sea salt for seasoning.
Which side of the chicken should face up first when roasting?
Start roasting the chicken breast-side down on a rack inside the roasting pan.
How long is the initial roasting period?
The chicken should roast breast-side down for the first 15 minutes.
When do I flip the chicken during cooking?
After the first 15 minutes of roasting, turn the chicken breast-side up for the remaining cooking time.
What tool should I use to turn the chicken?
It is recommended to use wooden spoons to carefully turn the chicken to avoid burns.
How long does the second stage of roasting take?
The second stage of roasting, with the breast-side up, takes approximately 35 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when a meat thermometer reaches approximately 180°F (82°C).
How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear after being pierced.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after roasting?
Resting helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and moist.
How long should the chicken rest before carving?
The chicken should rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Should I serve the chicken with the pan juices?
Yes, serving the chicken with the pan juices provides a delicious and tangy finish.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken?
There are 200 calories per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 2g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What size chicken is recommended?
A 3 lb whole chicken is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
What are the main flavor tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with citrus flavors, lemon chicken, and roast chicken.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it an easy dinner option.
What should I do if the chicken is not done after the allotted time?
If the chicken requires more time, keep baking and check periodically for doneness.