Zesty Lemon & Garlic Roast Chicken Delight
Elevate your dinner table with this Zesty Lemon & Garlic Roast Chicken Delight recipe! Inspired by The Barefoot Contessa, this dish features a succulent whole chicken infused with aromatic thyme and roasted to perfection. The bright flavors of fresh lemons and the rich essence of garlic create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to impress your family and friends. Served with crispy bacon and a luscious gravy made from savory chicken stock and white wine, this dish delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for special occasions or an everyday feast, this roast chicken is a true showstopper that you’ll want to make time and again.
N/A
Servings
500
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasting Chicken
1 (5 - 6 lb, cleaned and patted dry)
Kosher Salt
as needed (For seasoning)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
as needed (For seasoning)
Fresh Thyme
1 bunch (Reserved for stuffing and garnish)
Lemons
4 (2 halved, 2 cut into quarters)
Garlic
3 heads (Halved crosswise)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Bacon
1/2 lb (Sliced)
White Wine
1 cup (For gravy)
Chicken Stock
1/2 cup (For gravy)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Rinse the chicken under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3
Generously season the inside of the chicken with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
4
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with a bunch of fresh thyme, reserving some for garnish, 1 lemon (halved), and 2 halves of garlic.
5
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brush this mixture over the outside of the chicken and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.
6
Cut 2 lemons into quarters and scatter them around the chicken in the roasting pan, along with the remaining garlic halves.
7
Arrange the sliced bacon over the chicken, covering as much of the surface as possible.
8
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Afterward, carefully remove the bacon slices and set them aside.
9
Continue roasting the chicken for an additional 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear when piercing between the leg and thigh. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
10
Transfer the roasted chicken to a serving platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while preparing the gravy.
11
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the roasting pan. Add the white wine and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half.
12
Slice the chicken and arrange it on the serving platter. Garnish with the reserved bacon slices, roasted garlic, additional fresh thyme, and the remaining sliced lemon.
13
Serve the chicken accompanied by the flavorful gravy.
Nutrition Information
33g
Fat
5g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Lemon & Garlic Roast Chicken Delight?
It is a succulent whole roast chicken dish inspired by The Barefoot Contessa, featuring fresh lemon, garlic, thyme, and a white wine gravy.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
What weight of chicken should I use for this recipe?
A roasting chicken weighing between 5 and 6 pounds is recommended.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How many lemons are required in total?
You will need 4 lemons: one for stuffing, two for roasting in the pan, and one for the final garnish.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 3 heads of garlic, halved crosswise.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 33 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this roast chicken?
There are 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the chicken before cooking?
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning.
What ingredients are stuffed inside the chicken cavity?
Stuff the cavity with a bunch of fresh thyme, one halved lemon, and two halves of garlic heads.
What is used to brush the outside of the chicken?
A mixture of 2 tablespoons of melted butter, salt, and pepper is brushed over the skin.
What is the role of bacon in this recipe?
Bacon slices are arranged over the chicken for the first hour of roasting to add flavor and moisture.
How long does the chicken roast with the bacon?
The chicken roasts with the bacon for 1 hour before the bacon is removed.
How much additional time does the chicken roast after the bacon is removed?
After removing the bacon, roast the chicken for an additional 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the area between the leg and thigh is pierced.
Why should I use aluminum foil after roasting?
Covering the chicken with foil keeps it warm while you prepare the gravy and allows the meat to rest.
How is the gravy made?
The gravy is made by combining pan drippings with white wine and chicken stock, then simmering until reduced by half.
What type of wine is needed for the gravy?
The recipe requires 1 cup of white wine for the gravy.
How much chicken stock is used for the gravy?
You will need 1/2 cup of chicken stock.
What herb is featured in this dish?
Fresh thyme is used throughout the dish for flavor and garnish.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning both the inside and outside of the chicken.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the Barefoot Contessa.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday meals?
Yes, it is tagged as an ideal dish for holiday meals and special occasions.
What is the final garnish for the chicken?
The dish is garnished with reserved bacon slices, roasted garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon slices.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe for dinner.
What should I do with the fat in the roasting pan?
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the pan before adding the wine and stock for the gravy.
How should the garlic be prepared for roasting in the pan?
The garlic heads should be halved crosswise before being placed in the pan.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include roast chicken, lemon chicken, garlic chicken, comfort food, and dinner.