Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon

Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon is a classic and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and juicy chicken creates a delicious and aromatic meal that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The recipe for Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon has been passed down through generations and is a popular dish in many cultures around the world. The use of herbs and citrus in cooking dates back centuries and is a traditional way to enhance the flavor of meats.

Ingredients

1 chicken (about 3 lb (1.36 kg)), washed and patted dry
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
2 tsp chopped fresh herb (i.e. thyme, parsley, sage, etc.) or 1 tsp dried
1 lemon, sliced into rounds, intact
2 tbsp butter
0.75 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs, both inside and out.
Gently loosen the skin from the breast and stuff 2 slices of lemon and 1 tbsp of butter on each side of the breast.
Place the remaining lemon inside the cavity of the chicken.
Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, basting occasionally.
Check the thickest part of the thigh with an instant meat thermometer; it should read 170°F (77°C) (avoid touching the bone).
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pour off any excess fat from the pan.
Place the pan over 2 oven burners, pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a boil.
Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the carved chicken.

Variations

Substitute the herbs with your favorite blend, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Add garlic cloves or shallots to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
Use a different citrus fruit, such as oranges or limes, in place of the lemon.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and herbs to ensure a flavorful dish.

- Loosening the skin from the breast and stuffing lemon slices and butter underneath will help keep the meat moist and tender.

- Basting the chicken occasionally while roasting will help keep it juicy and flavorful.

- Letting the chicken rest after cooking will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a low temperature allows it to cook evenly and develop a crispy skin. Basting the chicken with the pan juices will help keep it moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to roast. Simply bring it to room temperature before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the citrus flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

2g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 8% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter)

Summary

Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and vitamin C. It is a great source of iron and is relatively low in carbohydrates.

Summary

Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that your family and friends will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to spend the afternoon browsing through my collection of old cookbooks. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and stained piece of paper fell out from between the pages of an old recipe book.

Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon. The paper was yellowed with age and the writing was faded, but I could make out the ingredients and instructions clearly. It was like finding a hidden treasure, a culinary gem that had been waiting to be discovered.

I knew immediately that I had to try this recipe. The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and succulent roasted chicken sounded like a match made in heaven. I could almost taste the savory flavors mingling together in my mouth, tantalizing my taste buds.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, pulling out the fresh herbs from my garden – rosemary, thyme, and sage. I carefully chopped them up, inhaling their earthy aroma as I worked. The scent of the herbs filled the kitchen, creating a fragrant cloud that enveloped me in a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

Next, I prepared the chicken, rubbing it with olive oil and sprinkling the herbs generously over the skin. I squeezed the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, letting the acidic tang seep into the meat and infuse it with zesty flavor.

As the chicken roasted in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. The tantalizing aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family into the kitchen with hungry anticipation. We all eagerly awaited the moment when we could finally sit down and savor the fruits of my labor.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the chicken out of the oven and set it on the table. The skin was golden and crispy, the meat tender and juicy. The herbs had worked their magic, infusing the chicken with a depth of flavor that was nothing short of divine.

As we dug into our meal, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe, passed down through generations and acquired from various sources, had become a part of my culinary repertoire. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime.

And so, as we sat around the table, enjoying the Herb-roasted Chicken with Lemon, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes and the stories that had shaped me into the cook I am today. Each dish was a reflection of the love and care that went into its creation, a testament to the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well. And as I looked around at my family, their faces glowing with contentment, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite for years to come.