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Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

Juicy lemon herb roast chicken with crispy skin and fresh thyme garnish.

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A simple, classic roast chicken with bright lemon and fragrant herbs. This recipe yields juicy meat and crispy skin with minimal effort, perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds), giblets removed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large lemon, halved
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme (about 6-8 sprigs)
  • 1 small bunch fresh rosemary (2-3 sprigs)
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 small yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the entire chicken completely dry with paper towels, inside and out. Place on a rack set inside a roasting pan.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
  4. Gently loosen the skin over the breast. Spread about half of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the breast meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken. Season exterior generously with more salt and pepper.
  5. Stuff the chicken cavity with the halved lemon, fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs, smashed garlic, and quartered onion.
  6. Tuck the wingtips behind the chicken’s back and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  7. Let chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  8. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast for 50-75 minutes, or until skin is golden brown and internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove chicken from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes before carving.
  10. Optional: While chicken rests, place roasting pan on stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth, scrape up browned bits, and simmer for a few minutes to make a simple pan sauce.

Notes

For crispy skin, pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to avoid overcooking. Letting the chicken rest after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.

Nutrition