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Dinner

Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

A classic roast chicken that is perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 23, 2026
Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
75 minutes
Total
90 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so comforting about the smell of a lemon herb chicken roasting in the oven. It is a reliable meal that everyone seems to enjoy, and it leaves you with plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day.

My biggest tip is to make sure you pat the chicken skin very dry with paper towels before adding the butter and herbs. This simple step is the secret to getting that beautiful golden skin that everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole roasting chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large roasting pan.

  3. 3

    Mix the butter, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until combined.

  4. 4

    Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and rub half of the butter mixture underneath. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.

  5. 5

    Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and the smashed garlic cloves.

  6. 6

    Arrange the onion wedges around the chicken in the pan.

  7. 7

    Roast for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until the juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.

  8. 8

    Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving to keep the meat juicy.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can shred the extra meat to use in salads or soups later in the week.

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