Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for **lemon herb roasted chicken**:
### Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 sliced)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or thyme)
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken**:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin.
3. **Make the Marinade**:
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
4. **Season the Chicken**:
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity. Place lemon slices inside the cavity for extra flavor.
5. **Roast the Chicken**:
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Optionally, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions around the chicken.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. **Rest and Serve**:
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices inside.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful roasted chicken! Let me know if you’d like suggestions for side dishes or variations!