the treadmill diaries

Roasted Lemon Chicken

While taking a culinary class last year, I picked up the easiest, most delicious way to prepare a whole chicken.  This recipe is perfect for that special occasion, for when you’re having company over, or just because.  Plus, the beautiful thing is that it only takes about 15 minutes to prep – then you throw it in the oven and forget about it.   

Once you make Roasted Lemon Chicken and taste how succulent the chicken is (because the meat is infused with lemon juice)…this dish will quickly become a household favorite.  Not to mention, you’ll all be fighting over getting at a piece or two of the super, crispy skin that’ll separate from the roaster through the steam, cooking process.  Of course, we’re talking about having just a little taste of the skin…go ahead it’s worth it.          

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:       

•  A Whole Chicken Roaster (at least several pounds in size with a pop-up timer)
• 2 Tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 Tsp Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp Herbs de Provence
• 2 Lemons left whole with the skin but pierced on all sides by a knife

Pulling the dish together:                 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Rinse inside/outside of chicken & pat dry. Place in baking casserole.
3. Insert two pierced lemons inside chicken (as if you were stuffing it).
4. Close opening by folding in skin and bringing two legs across body.
5. Tie legs together with baker’s twine -sealing the chicken opening shut.
6. Pour olive oil on outside of chicken and add salt & herbs
7. Evenly rub spices/oil around outside of Chicken.
8. Place in oven until pop-up timer shows it’s ready.

Here’s how it looks all buttoned up:                 

The process of placing the pierced lemons inside the chicken allows it to cook from the inside out with steam created by the lemon juice.  This will also push the flavor of the lemon throughout the meat and separate the skin from the breast – creating a crispy skin texture.  At the end of the baking time, the chicken breast, dark meat and skin will all be mmm mmm good.                 

This dish pairs well with oven roasted potatoes seasoned with a bit of olive oil, rosemary, salt & pepper.  Think about adding some sort of green on the side as a good complement.                 

Mangia..and enjoy.