Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece with this show-stopping Garlic Roast Chicken that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine a perfectly golden, crispy-skinned chicken infused with the aromatic magic of garlic, bright lemon, and fragrant rosemary - a dish so irresistible it'll make your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is your ticket to creating a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve a crispy skin on the chicken.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken. Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and olive oil. Mix well to create a garlic-infused oil.
- Rub the garlic oil mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface. Be generous with the oil, as this will help flavor the skin and keep it moist.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered lemons and the fresh rosemary sprigs. The lemons will infuse the chicken with a bright, zesty flavor while roasting.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe skillet. Tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken to prevent them from burning.
- Once the oven has preheated, place the roasting pan in the oven. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- During the roasting process, baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes. This will help keep the chicken moist and enhance the flavor.
- Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted lemon quarters and any pan juices. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that crispy, golden skin everyone loves.
- Don't be shy with seasoning! Make sure to season both inside the cavity and all over the skin with salt and pepper.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Basting is crucial - it keeps the meat moist and helps develop a beautiful, even color.
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or sage alongside the rosemary.
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
