Are you looking for a delicious and aromatic dish to elevate your dinner table? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken. The zesty flavors of lemon combined with the earthy essence of rosemary create a perfect harmony that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. This roast chicken recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s get cooking!
**Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole roasting chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 2 lemons
– 4-5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
2. Rinse the whole roasting chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Zest one of the lemons using a microplane or a fine grater. Set the zest aside for later use.
4. Cut the zested lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
6. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the zested lemon halves, a couple of sprigs of rosemary, and the minced garlic.
7. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine to help the bird cook evenly.
8. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or a baking dish large enough to hold it comfortably.
9. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it gently to coat the skin.
10. Strip the leaves from the remaining rosemary sprigs and scatter them over the chicken, pressing them gently into the skin.
11. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
12. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with the pan drippings to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
13. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
14. Serve your Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken with your favorite sides and garnish with fresh lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy this delightful Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken with your loved ones and savor the fusion of citrusy and herby flavors that will brighten up any meal. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner at home. The aroma that will fill your kitchen as it roasts will surely make everyone’s mouth water. So, treat yourself to this simple yet elegant recipe and let the delicious taste of roasted chicken with a twist of lemon and rosemary be the star of your dining table.
