🍋 Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken — Full Detailed Recipe
⭐ Ingredients
For the Chicken
1 whole chicken (about 1.2–1.5 kg)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For Stuffing (Optional but recommended)
1 lemon, halved
4–5 garlic cloves, whole
A few sprigs of rosemary & thyme
For Roasting
2 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 potatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth (optional for moisture and gravy)
🥣 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
2. Make the Herb Marinade
In a bowl, combine:
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Rosemary
Thyme
Parsley
Lemon zest & juice
Paprika
Salt & pepper
Mix well into a paste.
3. Season the Chicken
Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible (helps flavor the meat).
Stuff the cavity with:
Lemon halves
Whole garlic cloves
Fresh herb sprigs
4. Prepare the Roasting Tray
Add carrots, onions, and potatoes to the bottom of a roasting pan.
Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Optional: pour 1 cup chicken broth into the pan for a natural gravy and moisture.
5. Roast the Chicken
Roast uncovered for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on chicken size.
Baste halfway through for extra juiciness.
Chicken is done when:
Skin is golden brown
Juices run clear
Internal temp is 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part
6. Rest the Chicken
Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
This helps the meat stay juicy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with roasted vegetables from the pan
Pair with Greek salad, orzo, or garlic butter rice
Drizzle pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor
🌿 Why This Recipe Works
Lemon brightens and tenderizes the meat
Fresh herbs infuse Mediterranean aroma
Roasting on vegetables creates natural gravy
Crispy golden skin, juicy meat throughout

