Why This Recipe Works
There’s nothing like a roasted chicken dinner to comfort the soul—especially when it’s infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken with crispy golden potatoes, all seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or Sunday feasts!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
(Serves 6 | Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- 1 whole chicken (4–4.5 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth (or Maggi Arabia stock cubes)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove giblets if present.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture under the skin and all over the chicken.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Tuck the wings under and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
2. Roast the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast the chicken for 15 minutes to sear the skin.
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C) and roast for 45–50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the Potatoes
- After 30 minutes of roasting, toss baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Arrange potatoes around the chicken. Pour 1/2 cup broth into the pan.
- Continue roasting for 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are crispy.
4. Rest & Serve
- Remove the chicken and let it rest 10 minutes before carving.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes. Garnish with lemon slices and rosemary.
Pro Tips for Success
- Brining Optional: For extra juiciness, brine the chicken in saltwater overnight.
- Crispy Skin Hack: Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning.
- Gravy Alert: Use pan drippings to make easy roasted chicken gravy.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 24g
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: This recipe works best with a whole bird for juicy results. For boneless thighs, adjust cook time to 25–30 minutes.
Q: What sides pair well?
A: Try herb-roasted carrots or garlic mashed potatoes.
