How To Roast A Chicken
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Roasting a chicken at home can seem daunting, but this Lemon Herb Chicken recipe makes it accessible and enjoyable. The process begins with creating a flavorful seasoning mix that combines salt, dried herbs, and spices, which is then blended into a compound butter. This butter is stuffed under the chicken skin, ensuring that the flavors penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicy and aromatic dish.
The technique of loosening the skin is key to achieving that coveted crispy texture. By separating the skin from the meat, you allow the butter and seasoning to work their magic. The addition of lemon halves and rosemary inside the cavity infuses the chicken with a fresh, zesty aroma as it roasts.
Roasting at a high temperature initially helps to crisp the skin, while lowering the temperature allows the chicken to cook evenly. Regularly basting the chicken with its own juices keeps it moist and enhances the flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Overall, this Lemon Herb Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Combine 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
Mix 1/4 cup of softened salted butter with about 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and check the interior for giblets.
Tip: Do not rinse your chicken to avoid spreading salmonella.
Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry.
Loosen the skin of the chicken using your fingers, starting from the neck area and working down to the back.
Stuff the herb butter under the loosened skin of the chicken.
Tip: Stuffing butter and herbs under the skin makes a big difference in flavor.
Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken.
Stuff the lemon halves and a couple sprigs of rosemary inside the chicken cavity.
Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix over the chicken and rub it in.
Tip: Rub and pat the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it sticks.
Roast the chicken in a 450 degree oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Baste the chicken with its own juices every 15 to 20 minutes.
Insert a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Oil
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Stuffing butter and herbs under the chicken skin enhances flavor and ensures moist meat.
- •Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- •Basting the chicken with its own juices helps keep it moist and flavorful during roasting.
- •Roasting at a high temperature initially helps achieve crispy skin.
