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Dinner

Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

This classic roasted chicken is a reliable favorite that makes any weeknight dinner feel special.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 18, 2026
Simple Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
90 minutes
Total
105 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like the smell of a whole chicken roasting in the oven to make a house feel like a home. This recipe focuses on simple, fresh ingredients that let the natural flavor of the bird shine through without any fuss.

My best tip for the crispiest skin is to pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before you add the butter and herbs. Taking that extra minute makes a world of difference for the final texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole roasting chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • half teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, cut into quarters

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

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

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Rub the butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken and under the skin of the breast area if possible.

  5. 5

    Stuff the lemon quarters into the cavity of the chicken.

  6. 6

    Roast for about 75 to 90 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  7. 7

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

💡 Tips

Serve this with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to save the bones to make a delicious homemade chicken stock later in the week.

#chicken#dinner#roast#healthy#comfort food

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