Garlicky Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

Whole chicken

1 (about 4-5 lbs)

Olive oil

1/4 cup

Garlic cloves

10, minced

Lemon

1, juiced and zested

Fresh rosemary

3-4 sprigs

Salt

1 tablespoon

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Chicken broth or white wine

1 cup (optional, for moisture)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful paste.
4. Rub the garlic mixture generously all over the chicken, ensuring to get under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the rosemary sprigs under the wings and inside the cavity to enhance the aroma.
6. If using, pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
7. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute for a moist, flavorful dish.
9. Serve the garlicky roasted chicken with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.