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This Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with Crispy Skin sounds like a show-stopping dish! The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and perfectly crispy skin makes it a classic favorite. Here’s how to make it:
Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
- 1 head of garlic (cut in half horizontally)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 onion (quartered, for stuffing and flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this is key for crispy skin!).
- Season the chicken cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the halved garlic head, lemon slices, onion quarters, and fresh herbs.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil (or melted butter), lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor. Make sure the entire chicken is well-coated.
- Truss the Chicken (Optional):
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly and maintain its shape.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan (or directly in the pan if you don’t have a rack).
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh (avoid touching the bone).
- Crisp the Skin:
- For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted garlic and lemon from the cavity for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking for added moisture and flavor.
- Vegetable Bed: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, or celery to the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.
- Leftovers: Use leftover chicken for sandwiches, salads, or soups.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Ensure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning, and avoid covering it while roasting.
This Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken is a timeless dish that’s perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions. Let me know if you try it or need more tips! 😊🍗🍋
