Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

The mouth-watering aroma of roasted rosemary lemon chicken can make anyone's stomach growl in excitement. This classic dish is a perfect blend of flavors that result in a savory and citrusy explosion on your taste buds.

The rosemary adds a pungent and earthy taste to the chicken while the lemon adds a refreshing and tangy zest. The juicy and tender chicken is roasted to perfection, making it an excellent dish for any meal. Whether it's a fancy dinner party or a casual family gathering, roasted rosemary lemon chicken is a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests wanting more.

How Healthy is Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken?

When it comes to health, the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe is a delicious and nutritious choice. This recipe uses fresh herbs and spices, like rosemary, to add flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar. And with the addition of lemon juice, it provides a boost of vitamin C and adds brightness to the dish. Plus, by cooking the chicken in the oven, it avoids the unhealthy fats and oils often found in fried or sautéed dishes. Overall, this Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe is a great option for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without sacrificing their health.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45-50 minutes*
Serves: 4-6

Jump to:

• How Healthy is Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken?
• Ingredients needed to make Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken
• How to make Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken
• Variations on the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe
• Equipment used in making the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe
• Storage for the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe
• Top tips for making the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe
• Related
• Pairing
• Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

Ingredients needed to make Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

• 2 large lemons, preferably organic
• 4-5 large sprigs of rosemary, divided
• 1 (4-5 lbs.) whole fryer chicken, cut into parts (bone-in, skin on)
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3-4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil

How to make Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking sheet. Set aside.
   
2. Thinly slice both lemons, then cut the slices from one lemon into quarters. Break 2 of the rosemary sprigs into small pieces. Set aside.
   
3. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding. Use a sharp knife to gently lift the skin and sprinkle the meat with salt and black pepper, as desired.
   
4. Create a pocket under the skin with the knife and insert the quartered lemon slices, minced garlic, and the small rosemary pieces inside. Drizzle the olive oil onto the chicken skin and coat the entire surface with a pastry brush. Sprinkle with additional salt and black pepper, as desired.
   
5. Scatter the whole lemon slices and rosemary sprigs onto the baking sheet and place them in the oven. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the chicken reaches 160°F on an instant-read thermometer and is nicely browned on top.
   
6. Remove from the oven and brush the pan juices over the chicken with a clean pastry brush. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes. Remove the cover and brush pan juices over the chicken again. Discard rosemary sprigs and lemon slices before serving with your choice of sides. Enjoy!

Variations on the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe

Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken is already a classic and delicious recipe, but there's always room for experimentation and personalization.
Adding different spices, herbs, and marinades can completely change the flavor profile of the dish. Some popular variations include using garlic, thyme, or sage instead of or in addition to rosemary.
Experimenting with different types of citrus like lime or orange can also give the chicken a new twist. Another option is to change up the cooking method, such as grilling or smoking the chicken instead of roasting it.
No matter what variations you choose to make, the result will surely be a mouth-watering and satisfying meal.

Equipment used in making the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe

rimmed baking sheet
parchment paper
Silpat™ baking sheet.

Storage for the Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken recipe

If you're someone who loves meal prep or simply wants to save leftovers, you might be curious how long Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken can last in the fridge. Fortunately, it's a dish that can keep for a decent amount of time. When stored properly in an airtight container, your Roasted Rosemary Lemon Chicken can last up to four days in the fridge. This means you can enjoy it for several meals before it's time to make something new. And with its herbaceous and tangy flavors, you'll be looking forward to every bite!

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Pairing

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