This Lemon-Pepper & Garlic Whole Chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor! The bright lemon and zesty pepper make it a winner at dinner time, while garlic adds a tasty twist.
There’s nothing like the smell of this chicken roasting in the oven. It’s like a warm hug from the kitchen! I love serving it with some roasted veggies for a perfect meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: I recommend using a 4 to 5 lbs chicken for the best results. You can also opt for a smaller or larger bird, but adjust cooking time accordingly. A free-range chicken tends to be more flavorful!
Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil gives a lovely flavor and is lighter, while butter adds rich taste. If you prefer, you can use avocado oil or ghee as a healthier fat option without losing flavor.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: This adds a nice zest. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts of lemon zest and black pepper, and sprinkle a pinch of salt. It’ll work just as well!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. I prefer using a whole bulb as it softens nicely while roasting, providing a sweet taste.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary adds a wonderful aroma, but feel free to substitute with thyme or sage! You can even skip them if you’re in a hurry; the chicken will still be tasty.
How Do I Get Crispy Skin on My Roast Chicken?
Crispy skin is all about preparation and cooking technique! Here’s how to ensure you achieve that golden finish:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture will prevent crisping.
- Rub olive oil or butter under the skin as well as on top. This helps the skin get nice and crispy.
- Roast at a high temperature, like 425°F (220°C), to help the skin brown and crisp up.
- Basting halfway through cooking with pan juices keeps the skin juicy while also helping it crisp.
- If the skin gets too brown before the chicken is fully cooked, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Lemon-Pepper & Garlic Whole Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 to 5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra for stuffing inside the chicken)
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed (some for rubbing, some to stuff inside)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish and roasting)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes for prep and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to roast, plus 10-15 minutes to rest. So, in total, you are looking at approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to a delicious lemon-pepper and garlic whole chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, take the whole chicken out of the packaging and check for any giblets in the cavity. If you find them, remove those and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying it helps to achieve that crispy skin everyone’s after!
2. Make Your Flavor Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything well so it becomes a nice flavorful paste. This is the magic that will make your chicken super tasty!
3. Rub the Chicken
Now, take that flavorful mixture and generously rub it all over the chicken. Make sure to get it on the skin, inside the cavity, and even under the skin if you can. This way, every bite will be delicious! Don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Next, stuff the chicken’s cavity with slices of lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and any rosemary you want to use. This will infuse wonderful flavors as it cooks.
5. Get it Ready for Roasting
Slice a few more lemon slices and place them at the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish. This adds great flavor to the drippings. Lay your chicken on top of the lemon slices, breast side up, and get it all ready for the oven!
6. Roast the Chicken
Time to roast! Put the chicken in your preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You want to make sure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) by measuring it at the thickest part of the thigh. This is where a meat thermometer can really help!
7. Baste and Monitor
About halfway through cooking, take a moment to baste the chicken with the drippings from the bottom of the pan. This will help keep it nice and moist. If you find the skin is browning too quickly, feel free to cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
8. Rest Before Serving
Once your chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken extra juicy when you carve it!
9. Garnish and Serve
After resting, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Add a few extra lemon slices for that beautiful touch.
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Slice up your delicious lemon-pepper and garlic whole chicken, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delightful meal with family and friends! Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Can I Use a Smaller or Larger Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use a smaller or larger chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—generally, cooking time can be about 20 minutes per pound. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
What If I Don’t Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
No problem! You can make a substitute by combining equal parts lemon zest, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This gives you that similar zesty flavor without the need for store-bought seasoning.
Can I Prep the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can rub the chicken with the seasoning mixture and stuff it the night before. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy your leftovers in salads or sandwiches!