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Perfect Juicy Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Recipe for Mothers Day Dinner

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A simple yet special lemon herb roast chicken recipe that delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy, herb-infused skin, perfect for Mother’s Day or any celebration.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kg)
  • Fresh lemons (2 medium) – one for juicing and zesting, another quartered for roasting inside the bird
  • Fresh herbs: thyme (4–5 sprigs), rosemary (3 sprigs), parsley (a handful, chopped)
  • Garlic cloves (4 large, minced)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons / 60 grams, softened)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Salt (1½ teaspoons)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion (1 medium, quartered)
  • Chicken broth or water (½ cup / 120 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves stripped from stems, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs without tearing it.
  4. Spread half the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat, smoothing it out to coat evenly. Rub the remaining butter all over the chicken’s exterior.
  5. Stuff the cavity with quartered onion, lemon wedges, and a couple sprigs of rosemary and thyme. Use kitchen twine to truss the legs together.
  6. Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Pour chicken broth or water into the pan.
  7. Roast the chicken for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for another 45–55 minutes. Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, pierce the thigh and look for clear juices.
  9. Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
  10. Carve and serve, enjoying the fragrant lemon herb aroma and tender, flavorful meat.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Basting is optional but helps keep the meat moist. Let the chicken rest after roasting to redistribute juices. For extra crispy skin, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb roast chicken, Mother's Day dinner, roast chicken recipe, juicy roast chicken, herb butter chicken, easy roast chicken

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/perfect-juicy-lemon-herb-roast-chicken-recipe-for-mothers-day-dinner/