Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 4 lemons, juiced and zested 4 lemons, juiced and zested
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the chicken in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. 4.
   Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
5. 5.
   Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
6. 6.
   Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
8. 8.
   Serve the Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken with your choice of side dishes and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon — Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Roll them on the countertop before juicing to extract more juice.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the marinade.
• Olive oil — Choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Oregano and thyme — Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but you can substitute with dried herbs if needed. Use half the amount if using dried herbs.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating.
• Baste the chicken with the marinade every 30 minutes while roasting to enhance the flavors.
• To add a smoky flavor, place a few sprigs of rosemary or lemon slices on top of the chicken before roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups for a delicious meal the next day.

Serving advice

Carve the Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken into pieces and serve it on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Accompany it with your choice of side dishes and enjoy a delightful Mediterranean feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown chicken pieces on a serving platter, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh herbs for an appetizing presentation. Serve it alongside vibrant side dishes to create an enticing and colorful spread.