Description
Honey Lemon Roast Chicken features tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered (for stuffing the chicken)
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the middle and lightly grease a roasting pan or large baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the inside cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme if desired.
- Make the Honey Lemon Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the roasting pan, breast side up. Generously brush the honey lemon glaze all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. Save some glaze for basting during cooking.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs if desired. Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the glaze for the best flavor.
- Basting regularly helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the glaze’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of a 4-5 lb chicken
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg