Lemon, Garlic and Thyme Roast Chicken – Quick and Easy Method

Golden, fragrant, and ready in a flash! Roast chicken, elevated. 🍋🧄🤤

1. Before You Begin:

Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Roast Chicken offers a delightful combination of zesty citrus, pungent garlic, and earthy herbs, all infused into a perfectly roasted bird. This quick and easy method ensures a flavorful and tender chicken every time.

2. Essentials for the Recipe:

• knob of butter
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• olive oil
• 6 roasted garlic pieces
• salt and pepper
• 1 bunch of thyme
• 1 kilogram whole chicken

3. Step by Step:

Begin by preparing the chicken with a simple marinade of lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Roast at a high temperature for a shorter amount of time to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. Basting occasionally ensures even cooking and enhanced flavor.

Step 1: Prepare Chicken with Flavors

Preheat your oven to 220°C. Combine lemon zest, roasted garlic, butter, and half of the thyme sprigs. Gently loosen the chicken skin and stuff this mixture underneath, ensuring the flavors infuse the meat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with salt, pepper, and olive oil to enhance both flavor and crispiness.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Place the prepared chicken in a roasting pan, and pour lemon juice around it. Put the squeezed lemon halves and the remaining thyme underneath the chicken. Roast the chicken for 10 minutes at 220°C, then reduce the oven temperature to 180°C and continue roasting for another 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh; clear juices indicate it's ready.

Step 3: Rest and Make the Sauce

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in a warm place while you prepare the sauce. To make the sauce, deglaze the roasting pan with a splash of white wine and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enrich the flavor.

Step 4: Thicken and Season the Sauce

Gradually add a cornflour slurry (a mixture of water and cornflour) to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously, until you achieve your desired consistency. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. The result should be a flavorful sauce packed with lemony, buttery, garlicky, and thyme goodness.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the roast chicken hot with roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. A simple pan sauce made from the drippings adds a final touch of flavor. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing salad.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 4 servings, Calories: 429kcal, Protein: 23g, Fat: 36g, Carbohydrates: 2g, Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g, Cholesterol: 101mg, Sodium: 313mg

6. The Tasty Ending:

This Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Roast Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a classic dish. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy and share the recipe with friends!