Description
Succulent oven-roasted chicken delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and spices. Golden-brown skin and juicy meat promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor down to the last tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4.5 pounds or 2 kilograms)
Seasoning Herbs and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
Liquids and Additional Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 45 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 425F (220C) and lining a roasting pan with aluminum foil to facilitate effortless cleanup.
- Meticulously dry the chicken using paper towels to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior, and carefully remove any internal giblets from the cavity.
- Create a robust seasoning blend by combining olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme in a mixing bowl.
- Massage the prepared seasoning mixture thoroughly across the entire chicken surface, making sure to penetrate under the skin and within the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
- Enhance the chicken’s aromatic profile by strategically inserting lemon quarters, onion quarters, and whole garlic cloves deep into the cavity.
- Optionally, use kitchen twine to secure the chicken legs together, promoting uniform cooking and maintaining an elegant presentation.
- Position the chicken breast-side up in the prepared roasting pan, ensuring optimal heat circulation.
- Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, periodically basting with its own collected juices to maintain moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Verify doneness by confirming the internal thigh temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a reliable meat thermometer.
- Allow the roasted chicken to rest undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, enabling natural juice redistribution and guaranteeing succulent meat.
- Conclude by garnishing with fresh herbs and presenting alongside complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry to ensure maximum skin crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which dries out the meat.
- Experiment with herb variations like rosemary, sage, or oregano to create unique flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free and low-carb diets, replace traditional seasonings with fresh herbs and clean spice blends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 388
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 514 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 108 mg