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Crispy Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herbs

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A perfectly crispy and juicy roast chicken infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg), organic or free-range if possible
  • 2 large lemons (1 for zest and juice, 1 halved and stuffed inside the bird)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped finely
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken dry inside and out using paper towels.
  3. Season inside the cavity with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, 1 sprig rosemary, and 2 sprigs thyme.
  4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Loosen the skin by sliding your fingers between the skin and breast meat to create pockets on both sides. Rub half the herb butter under the skin evenly.
  6. Coat the chicken all over with olive oil and the remaining herb butter. Season the skin with remaining salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika if using.
  7. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking the wing tips under the body.
  8. Place the chicken upright on the roasting rack inside your roasting pan.
  9. Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and roast for an additional 40-50 minutes, basting once halfway through if desired.
  10. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). The skin should be deep golden and crispy.
  11. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes.
  12. Carve the chicken and spoon any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry thoroughly before roasting is essential for crispy skin. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness. Resting the chicken after roasting keeps the meat juicy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: roast chicken, crispy chicken, lemon chicken, herb chicken, easy roast chicken, family dinner, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-roast-chicken-with-lemon-and-herbs-easy-perfect-recipe-guide/