Description
Citrus Herb Whole Chicken is a juicy and tender roasted chicken infused with fresh lemon, orange, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This flavorful dish features a crispy golden skin and is an elegant yet easy option for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Stuffing
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 orange, halved
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for crisp skin.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this herb and spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring to cover the skin thoroughly.
- Stuff the cavity: Place the lemon halves, orange halves, garlic cloves, and quartered onion inside the chicken cavity. This will infuse the meat with fresh citrus and aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Arrange for roasting: Place the prepared chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan or on a rack in a roasting pan to allow even heat circulation.
- Roast the chicken: Cook the chicken in the oven for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This helps retain juices and ensures moist meat.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving to add a fragrant touch.
Notes
- Basting the chicken once or twice during roasting helps maintain moisture and enhances flavor.
- Save the chicken carcass after serving to make a rich homemade chicken stock.
- Serve this dish alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
