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lemon garlic roast chicken 2026 05 22 205414 683x1024 1

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

A delicious and easy roast chicken recipe with bright flavors of lemon and garlic, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 whole whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 4 pieces lemons (2 for juice, 2 halved)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme, for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then rub the garlic mixture all over the chicken. Be sure to get some under the skin for extra flavor.
  4. Squeeze juice from 2 lemons over the chicken. Place the used lemon halves inside the cavity along with the remaining halved lemons.
  5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Baste the chicken halfway through roasting for extra flavor.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

For crispy skin, avoid covering the chicken while it roasts. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked. Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even sage for varied flavor. Leftover chicken is great in salads, sandwiches, or soups.