Sure, let’s dive into the delightful realm of Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken! 🍗 This recipe is a culinary symphony of flavors, combining the zesty brightness of lemon with the aromatic richness of garlic to create a roast chicken masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can transform an ordinary chicken into a succulent dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 5 minutes

Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves 🧄
- Kosher salt
- 1 lemon 🍋
- 1 sprig of rosemary 🌿
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon hot paprika
- Freshly ground pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 whole chicken 🐔
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 🧈
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is nice and toasty, ready to work its magic on the chicken.
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Prepare the seasoning mixture: On a clean work surface, mince the garlic cloves and combine them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This helps to create a paste-like consistency and ensures that the garlic flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
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Whisk the seasoning: Transfer the minced garlic to a small bowl and whisk in the juice of the lemon, along with the finely chopped rosemary, sweet paprika, ground cumin, hot paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. To bind everything together, slowly drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil while whisking until you achieve a smooth and well-combined seasoning mixture.
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Prepare the chicken: Now, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the chicken! Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks of the chicken, being careful not to tear the skin. This step allows you to create pockets where you can stuff the flavorful seasoning mixture, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
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Season the cavity: Season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
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Stuff the seasoning mixture: Using a small spoon, generously spread the seasoning mixture under the skin of the chicken, making sure to rub it into the breasts, thighs, and drumsticks for maximum flavor impact. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture for later use.
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Add butter: For an extra touch of richness and indulgence, rub the unsalted butter under the skin of the breast meat. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds a deliciously creamy texture.
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Season the chicken: Rub the remaining tablespoon of seasoned oil all over the chicken, ensuring that every inch is coated with flavor. Sprinkle a bit more salt over the top for good measure.
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Prepare for roasting: Place the reserved lemon halves in the cavity of the chicken and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. This not only helps to hold the shape of the chicken but also infuses it with even more lemony goodness as it roasts.
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Roast the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a roasting pan and roast it in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the skin is beautifully browned and crisp. This slow roasting process allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook to juicy perfection.
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Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the roasting pan for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is moist and flavorful.
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Prepare the pan juices: While the chicken is resting, tilt the roasting pan to drain the juices from the cavity into the pan. Transfer the chicken to a carving board and pour the pan juices into a separate bowl. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the juices.
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Serve: Strain the pan juices into a small saucepan and keep them warm over low heat. Carve the chicken into generous portions and serve it with the warm pan juices drizzled over the top. This adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the dish, elevating it to gourmet status.
Now, sit back, relax, and indulge in the succulent goodness of this Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress and delight! Enjoy every juicy bite and savor the delightful harmony of flavors that this dish has to offer.