Welcome to your new favorite way to roast chicken! This Traditional Herb-Roasted Chicken is all about simplicity, flavor, and a touch of elegance. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it's sure to become a household staple.
The star of our show is the whole chicken, about 4 lbs, which offers a great balance between meat and skin for roasting. Olive oil helps create a crisp, golden-brown skin and enhances the flavor of the herbs. Fresh lemon adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. Garlic intensifies the aroma and pairs beautifully with the herbs. You'll need salt and black pepper for seasoning, which elevates every other ingredient. Our fresh herbs — rosemary, thyme, and parsley — are key to infusing the chicken and vegetables with their earthy, fragrant notes. For the vegetable bed, onion, carrots, and celery add sweetness and body to the pan juices. Finally, chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful while roasting.
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple side salad of mixed greens. For a touch of indulgence, serve with a glass of chilled white wine, like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The roasted veggies make for a hearty side, too!
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, when you're ready to pop the chicken in, the oven is all set. Grab your chicken and give it a good rinse under cold water, both inside and out. Then, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets nice and crispy.
Next, rub the chicken with olive oil. You want an even coat all over, so don't be shy. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken. Toss the lemon halves into the cavity along with the crushed garlic, and half of your chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This stuffing will work its magic as the chicken roasts.
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken, then set it aside for a moment. Arrange your onion, carrots, and celery in a roasting pan — these will be your flavor-packed veggie bed. Place the chicken right on top of them.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan, which will help keep everything nice and moist during cooking. Sprinkle the remaining herbs over the chicken and veggies for an added layer of flavor. Now, it's roasting time! Slide the pan into the oven and let it roast for about 90 minutes, basting occasionally with pan drippings. You'll know it's done when the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Once it's out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, so every bite is juicy and flavorful.