Garlic and Rosemary Lemon Roasted Chicken – Juicy & Crispy Recipe

When it comes to flavorful, juicy chicken, nothing quite compares to the classic combination of garlic, rosemary, and lemon. This Garlic and Rosemary Lemon Roasted Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on a traditional roast, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply when you crave a hearty, comforting meal. Its origins trace back to Mediterranean cuisine, where herbs like rosemary and citrus fruits like lemons are commonly used to elevate simple ingredients. In this recipe, the marriage of fragrant rosemary, zesty lemon, and rich garlic brings out the best in the roasted chicken, creating a dish that’s both aromatic and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 4 sprigs of rosemary (for stuffing)
• 1 whole head of garlic, halved crosswise (for stuffing)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Lemon Garlic Rosemary Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, prepare the chicken.
2. Clean the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. This helps the skin become extra crispy during roasting.
3. Season Inside and Out: Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Be sure to also season the cavity of the chicken.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

4. Prepare the Garlic Rosemary Lemon Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well until a paste forms.
5. Rub the Mixture Under the Skin: Gently lift the skin from the chicken breast and thighs, being careful not to tear it. Using your hands or a spoon, spread the garlic rosemary lemon mixture under the skin. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it roasts.
6. Stuff the Cavity: Insert the halved head of garlic, lemon wedges, and sprigs of rosemary inside the cavity of the chicken. These aromatics will further enhance the flavor of the roast.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

7. Truss the Chicken: For even roasting, tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. Tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken to prevent them from burning.
8. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist during cooking. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to ensure the skin becomes golden and crispy.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

10. Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
11. Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken into portions and serve with the roasted garlic and lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and additional lemon wedges, if desired.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Garlic And Rosemary Lemon Roasted Chicken:

• Crispy Skin: Make sure the chicken skin is dry before applying the garlic rosemary lemon mixture. The drier the skin, the crispier it will get during roasting.
• Even Cooking: Trussing the chicken helps it cook more evenly by keeping the legs close to the body and preventing the wings from overcooking.
• Resting Is Key: Always allow your chicken to rest after roasting. This locks in the moisture and ensures a tender bite.

Variations:

• Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, this recipe can easily be adapted. Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and follow the same seasoning steps. Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Lemon Garlic Rosemary Chicken Marinade: To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator using the lemon garlic rosemary marinade provided above.
• Roasted Chicken With Lime and Rosemary: For a tangier twist, substitute the lemon with lime in both the seasoning mixture and marinade. This will give the chicken a more intense citrus flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 0.2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Garlic and Rosemary Lemon Roasted Chicken is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that elevates any meal. Whether you’re hosting a Sunday family dinner or planning a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. The delightful aroma of rosemary and garlic combined with the tangy zest of lemon creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.