🍋 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