Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F. Preheating ensures even cooking, creating that nice sear early on.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step prevents steaming and ensures crispiness. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. It’s like giving your chicken a cozy blanket of flavor.
Step 3: Season Generously
- In a bowl, mix the garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and rosemary. Sprinkle this spice blend all over the chicken. Use your hands to massage it in. Don’t be shy—make sure every part is covered.
Step 4: Add the Lemon
- Zest and juice a lemon, then pour the juice over the chicken. Garnish with the zest to maximize the citrus flavor. Lemon brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the skin.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F. The skin should be golden brown and delicious-looking.
Step 6: Let It Rest
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial. It lets the juices redistribute, leaving you with moist, tender chicken.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and serve. Imagine your loved ones around the table, plates filled with juicy chicken, laughter echoing through the kitchen—a perfect scene.
Nutrition
Notes
Here are some insider tips to elevate your chicken even more:
- Brine the Chicken: If you have time, brining can enhance flavor and juiciness. Combine salt, water, and perhaps a bit of sugar and let the chicken sit for a few hours.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This handy tool makes sure you hit that perfect doneness. Under 165°F? Put it back in.
- Rotate the Pan: Midway through baking, give your pan a turn for even cooking. This avoids hot spots in your oven.
- Baste Occasionally: Basting the chicken with its own juices during cooking can make it even tastier and keep it moist.
- Squeeze Fresh Lemon Juice Just Before Serving: This final touch brightens the flavor. A simple squeeze goes a long way.
