Are you looking for a simple yet delicious way to elevate your dinner table? Look no further than this Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. Perfectly roasted with a tangy lemon and fresh herb blend, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests without requiring hours of preparation. It’s the kind of meal that’s flavorful, aromatic, and full of zest, making it ideal for any occasion, from a casual dinner to a festive gathering.

I developed this recipe because I was craving a dish that would be both easy to make and bursting with fresh, bright flavors. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs complements the chicken perfectly, creating a crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. This roasted chicken has quickly become a favorite in our house, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. All you need are a few fresh ingredients and a little patience as the chicken roasts in the oven. The result is a meal that tastes like it’s been prepared by a professional chef, but it’s so easy that anyone can pull it off.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Selling Points:

• Bright and Zesty Flavors: The lemon and herb combination gives the chicken a fresh, tangy kick that’s perfectly balanced by the savory chicken juices.
  
• Minimal Prep Time: With just a few ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, this dish is perfect for busy evenings or weekend meals.
  
• Crispy Skin, Juicy Meat: The chicken skin crisps up beautifully in the oven while the meat stays incredibly tender and juicy, making every bite a treat.
  
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday meal, or a dinner party, this chicken will be the star of the table.
  
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste, or experiment with different sides to accompany the chicken.
  

What You’ll Need for Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
  
• 1 onion, quartered
  
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

For the Herb Butter (optional but recommended):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
   
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
   
3. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy when roasting. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon wedges, onion, and smashed garlic cloves.
   
4. Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, gently lift the skin on the breast and rub some of the herb butter underneath, along with a little extra seasoning. If you’re using the herb butter, generously rub the remaining butter all over the chicken.
   
5. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in the prepared roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. If needed, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through roasting.
   
6. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
   

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  
• Crispier Skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of cooking, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
  
• Adjust the Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, basil, or sage for a unique flavor profile.
  
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to the pan while the chicken roasts for an easy one-pan meal.

Substitutions and Variations

Vegan Version: You can adapt this recipe by using a vegan roast or vegetable roast instead of chicken.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy twist.

Stuffing Option: For a twist, you can stuff the chicken with a savory stuffing made of breadcrumbs, vegetables, and herbs.

Closing for Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

And there you have it! A deliciously juicy and aromatic Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, perfectly roasted with a zesty citrus touch and fresh herbs. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is flavorful!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply season and stuff it, and when you’re ready, roast it as directed.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! If using chicken breasts or thighs, reduce the cooking time to about 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover roasted chicken for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw frozen chicken completely before roasting. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and longer roasting times.

Can I use fresh or dried herbs?
You can use either! Fresh herbs will provide a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work just as well and will impart a slightly stronger, more concentrated taste.

Can I stuff the chicken with other ingredients?
Yes, feel free to stuff the chicken with other ingredients like garlic, lemon, onions, herbs, or even a bread-based stuffing for extra flavor.

What side dishes go well with this roasted chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even a creamy risotto. For a lighter option, try pairing it with steamed green beans or quinoa.

This Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a flavorful, simple dish that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, it’s the perfect combination of fresh herbs, bright lemon, and juicy chicken, guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, aromatic meal with every bite!

Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)

• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

• 1 onion, quartered

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Herb Butter (optional but recommended):

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Set aside.
• Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy when roasting. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon wedges, onion, and smashed garlic cloves.
• Season the Chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, gently lift the skin on the breast and rub some of the herb butter underneath, along with a little extra seasoning. If you’re using the herb butter, generously rub the remaining butter all over the chicken.
• Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in the prepared roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. If needed, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through roasting.
• Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!