Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish
- Cooking twine (if necessary to truss the chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken, ensuring the inside cavity is also coated.
- Stuff lemon slices and fresh herbs inside the chicken for added aroma and flavor.
- Truss the chicken with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan or a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with its juices every 20 minutes.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your perfectly roasted roast chicken.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
- You can marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor cooking progress and avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of the chicken)
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg