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- Whole chicken specifications: Use a whole chicken weighing about 4-5 pounds. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. - Fresh herbs and spices: You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh rosemary, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. These add flavor and depth. - Marinade components: Gather 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 lemons (2 juiced and 2 sliced), and 6 minced garlic cloves. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. - How to adjust for different sizes of chicken: If your chicken is larger or smaller, adjust the marinade. For each additional pound, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. - Substitutes for fresh ingredients: You can use dried herbs instead of fresh ones. For rosemary, use 2 teaspoons of dried. You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon gives the best flavor. - Caloric content per serving: Each serving of this chicken contains about 350 calories. This makes it a hearty meal. - Breakdown of macronutrients: You get around 25 grams of protein, 25 grams of fat, and 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It's a balanced meal that can keep you satisfied. For the complete cooking process and tips, check out the Full Recipe. Marinating the chicken Start by making the marinade. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey in a bowl. Whisk it well until smooth. This marinade adds flavor and juiciness to the chicken. Next, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Rub the marinade all over the chicken. Get under the skin and inside the cavity for the best taste. Stuffing chicken cavity Now, take the lemon slices and any leftover rosemary. Stuff them into the cavity of the chicken. This adds extra flavor as it cooks. Oven temperature and positioning Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature makes the skin crispy. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Cooking time guidelines Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should turn golden brown. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to keep it moist. Resting the chicken Once cooked, pull the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is key. Resting allows the juices to stay inside the meat. Presentation ideas with garnishes Serve the chicken on a large platter. Arrange the roasted lemon slices around it. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For the full recipe, refer to the recipe section above. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least two hours. If you have more time, try marinating it overnight. This allows the lemon and garlic to soak in deep. Use a large zip-top bag or a bowl for marinating. This makes it easy to coat the chicken. Make sure to massage the marinade into the skin. This helps the flavors spread evenly. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. For crispy skin, start with a hot oven at 425°F. Avoid covering the chicken while it cooks. You can baste it halfway through with its own juices. This keeps it moist and adds flavor. Serve your lemon garlic roasted chicken with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. For drinks, a chilled white wine pairs well. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, serve lemonade or iced tea. You can find the full recipe to make this delicious dish. Enjoy cooking! {{image_2}} You can make this lemon garlic roasted chicken even better by adding herbs and spices. Using fresh herbs like thyme or oregano adds a nice touch. These herbs pair well with lemon and garlic. You can also try spices like cumin or coriander. These will give your dish a warm and earthy flavor. Mixing these flavors can make your chicken unique and exciting. There are other ways to cook lemon garlic chicken if you want a change. A slow cooker makes the chicken very tender. You can cook it on low for about 6-8 hours. This method allows all the flavors to mix well. Grilling is another great option. Just marinate your chicken as you would for roasting. Then, place it on a hot grill. Cook it for about 45 minutes, turning it occasionally. This method gives your chicken a delicious smoky flavor. You can adapt this recipe to fit different diets. If you're following a keto or gluten-free diet, it’s easy! Just skip any added sugars and use gluten-free seasoning. For lower sodium diets, you can cut back on the salt. Use fresh herbs and spices to add flavor without extra salt. This way, you can still enjoy a tasty meal that fits your needs. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your lemon garlic roasted chicken, store any leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down. Then, place it in airtight containers. I recommend glass containers, as they help keep the chicken fresh. If you use plastic, make sure it is food-safe. Store the chicken in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat your chicken, the goal is to keep it juicy. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check the chicken’s temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken. If you want to freeze the chicken, it’s simple. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe and tasty. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? You can check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Look for clear juices running from the chicken. If the juices run pink, it needs more cooking time. Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use chicken parts like thighs, breasts, or wings. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces. Thighs take about 30 to 40 minutes, while breasts cook in 20 to 25 minutes. Always check for the same 165°F (75°C) temperature to ensure safety. What to do if the chicken is too dry? If the chicken turns out dry, try basting it with the pan drippings during cooking. This adds moisture back into the meat. You can also serve it with a sauce, like a lemon-garlic sauce, to help with moisture. How to prevent burning the garlic? To avoid burnt garlic, add it later in the cooking process. You can also cover the chicken with foil for the first half of cooking. This shields the garlic from direct heat and allows it to roast gently. How long can I marinate the chicken? You can marinate the chicken for 2 to 24 hours. Marinating for at least 2 hours helps the flavors soak in. For the best taste and texture, aim for around 8 hours. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh juice is better. Fresh lemons have a brighter flavor and more acidity. If using bottled juice, choose one with no added sugars or preservatives for the best taste. For the complete guide on making this delicious dish, check the Full Recipe. This post covered everything you need for a perfect roast chicken. We looked at ingredients, preparation steps, and key cooking methods. I shared tips for marinating and roasting to enhance flavors. You also learned about storage and reheating to keep leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can confidently cook a delicious roast chicken. Enjoy your culinary journey and impress your friends and family with your skills. Keep experimenting with variations to find your favorite flavors!

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

Elevate your dinner with this Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken recipe that bursts with flavor! Juicy chicken is marinated in a tangy mix of lemon, garlic, and herbs before roasting to golden perfection. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress. Ready in just 1.5 hours, it's a simple yet delicious way to bring a fresh twist to your table. Click through for the full recipe and cooking tips!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)

4 lemons (2 juiced, 2 sliced)

6 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon honey

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, paprika, and honey until well combined. This will be your marinade.

      Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.

        Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon slices and any leftover rosemary.

          Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Arrange any remaining lemon slices around the chicken for extra flavor and garnish.

            Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking with the drippings for extra moisture and flavor.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

                Serve the chicken garnished with fresh parsley and the roasted lemon slices.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

                    Presentation Tips: Serve the roasted chicken on a large platter surrounded by the roasted lemon slices, garnished with sprigs of parsley. Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.