Chicken baked with lemon and herbs

6 servings

105 minutes

Lemon and herb roasted chicken is a magnificent dish that combines rich flavors and aromas. The lemon infuses the tender meat with a light tanginess, while fresh thyme reveals exquisite spiciness. Roasted vegetables create an appetizing texture and rich taste. This dish evokes cozy family evenings when the kitchen fills with warmth and the aroma of roasted meat. European chefs often used lemon to preserve freshness and add depth to meat dishes. This treat is perfect for a festive dinner or a cozy Sunday lunch, especially with a glass of white wine. Its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible, while its flavor is unforgettable.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 687.4
• Proteins: 42.6g
• Fats: 52.2g
• Carbohydrates: 13.6g

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1 pc
• Lemon: 1 pc
• Onion: 3 pc
• Carrot: 3 pc
• Garlic: 1 head
• Fresh thyme: 1 bunch
• Celery stalk: 1 pc
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Ground black pepper: pinch
• Paprika: 1 tsp
• Olive oil: 5 tbsp

Cooking steps

1. We wash the chicken, salt it, and let it sit. Meanwhile, we mix 3 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. We preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken: 1 piece
   • Salt: 1 teaspoon
   • Ground black pepper:  pinch
   • Paprika: 1 teaspoon
   • Olive oil: 5 tablespoon

2. Wash the vegetables, cut them into large pieces, separate the garlic into cloves and lightly crush each with the flat side of a knife or spoon (no peeling needed). In a baking dish, place the vegetables, garlic, 2 tablespoons of oil, mix with hands, and top with 3-4 sprigs of thyme.

   Required ingredients:

   • Onion: 3 pieces
   • Carrot: 3 pieces
   • Garlic: 1 head
   • Celery stalk: 1 piece
   • Olive oil: 5 tablespoon
   • Fresh thyme: 1 bunch

3. We rub the chicken with spices inside and out. We wash the lemon, poke it with a knife tip in different places, and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds or in boiling water for the same time. Then we place it inside the chicken along with 3-4 sprigs of thyme. It's better to tie or fold the chicken's legs so the lemon doesn't fall out.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken: 1 piece
   • Lemon: 1 piece
   • Fresh thyme: 1 bunch

4. Place the chicken on the vegetables breast side up and send it to a well-heated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes. If the chicken is larger than 1 kilogram by 300-400 grams, increase the time. During cooking, open the oven a couple of times, and if fat has melted from the chicken, pour it over the top; if everything is drying out, add a little boiling water to the dish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken: 1 piece