Herb-Infused Lemon Baked Chicken

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Herb-Infused Lemon Baked Chicken is the perfect recipe for those who crave a flavorful, aromatic meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines fresh herbs and zesty lemon to create a succulent chicken that's sure to impress.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Lemon Baked Chicken

Whole chicken acts as the main canvas, absorbing all the flavors beautifully. The olive oil not only helps in roasting but also carries the flavors of the herbs into the chicken. With garlic, we add a depth of earthy flavor that complements the herbs. Both rosemary and thyme provide that classic herby aroma and are quintessential in Mediterranean cooking. The lemon, both zested and juiced, brightens the dish, while honey adds a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, while smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth and color. Lemon slices and onion stuffed inside the cavity help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you’re short on fresh rosemary or thyme, dried versions work, but use half the amount.
  • Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavors even more.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without any guesswork.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For a more hearty meal, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a warm loaf of crusty bread. The lemony, herby flavors also complement a side of quinoa or couscous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts will cook faster.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can use regular paprika in a pinch, though you might miss out on the subtle smokiness.

Herb-Infused Lemon Baked Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly once it goes in. While the oven is warming up, grab a small bowl and combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest and juice, honey, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This will be your marinade.

Now, take your whole chicken and rub the marinade all over, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Don't be shy here; the more even the coverage, the better the flavor infusion. Once you're satisfied, place the onion quarters and lemon slices inside the cavity of the chicken.

Transfer your prepared chicken to a roasting pan. Pop it into the oven and let it roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You're looking for the internal temperature to hit 165°F — that's when you know it's perfectly cooked.

After roasting, let the chicken rest for a good 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Infused with the bright flavor of fresh herbs and lemon.
  • Perfectly tender and juicy every time with minimal effort.
  • A crowd-pleaser for family dinners or special gatherings.
  • Aromatic and visually appealing, making it feel like a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 lemon, sliced
1 onion, quartered

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest and juice, honey, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create a marinade.
3. Rub the marinade over the entire chicken, ensuring even coverage.
4. Place the onion quarters and lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.
5. Set the chicken in a roasting pan.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

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