Teresa's Recipes
Oregano and Lemon Roasted Chicken
Imagine a tender, juicy chicken, its skin golden and crisp, infused with the tangy freshness of lemon and the earthy, robust aroma of oregano. Our Oregano and Lemon Roasted Chicken is just that - a symphony of flavors, an iconic Mediterranean delight that will transport you to the sun-drenched coasts of Greece with every bite. This dish, a staple of Greek cuisine, is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients, and is sure to steal the show at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 4 pounds) Whole chicken
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh oregano
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Black pepper
- 1, sliced Lemon
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 34g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 55g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Sugar: 0g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is important to ensure a crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, finely chopped oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Rub the oregano and garlic mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the sliced lemon. This will infuse the chicken with a refreshing citrus flavor as it roasts.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the chicken.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh, and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist.
- Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the aromatic and tangy flavors of the Mediterranean!
Tips
- You can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the roasting pan for a complete meal.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, zest the lemon before slicing and add the zest to the oregano and garlic mixture.