Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your table swooning? This Roasted Chicken with Pepper and Herbs isn't just a meal—it's an experience that combines crispy, golden-brown skin, herb-infused meat, and a burst of zesty lemon that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe promises restaurant-quality results that will make you look like a culinary genius.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy skin on the chicken.
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Ensuring the chicken is dry will help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. This herb mixture will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Rub the olive oil and herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the underside. Don’t forget to get some of the mixture under the skin for extra flavor.
- Take the quartered lemon and place it inside the cavity of the chicken. The lemon will add moisture and a subtle citrus flavor as the chicken roasts.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet. If desired, you can add some chopped vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, or onions) around the chicken for a complete meal.
- Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- During roasting, you can baste the chicken with its own juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- After resting, carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted vegetables and any pan juices. Enjoy your delicious roasted chicken with pepper and herbs!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure the crispiest skin possible.
- Don't be shy with the herb mixture—massage it thoroughly all over and under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try adding aromatics like garlic cloves or whole herb sprigs inside the cavity.
- Choose a high-quality, fresh chicken for the best taste and texture.
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
