Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken
The ultimate comfort food, Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken is succulent, juicy, and bursting with zesty flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish will impress your family and friends. Make it tonight for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Peeler
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 meyer lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 head garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This high temperature is key for roasting, as it helps to achieve a crispy skin on the chicken. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside.
- Prepare a baking sheet by brushing it with a drop of olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and allows for easy cleanup later.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Removing moisture is vital for getting that golden-brown crust.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the lemon zest, salt, pepper, basil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend is what makes the chicken so flavorful.
- Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle it with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. This step ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful as it roasts.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over each piece of chicken. Make sure to cover each piece well for maximum flavor.
- Arrange the garlic cloves and lemon slices around the chicken. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful presentation.
- Slice the top off the head of garlic and rub off any excess paper from the outsides. Place the head of garlic, cut side up, on the sheet as well. This will roast beautifully and provide a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the seasoned chicken, garlic, and lemons. This step ensures everything is well-coated and delicious.
- Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Keep an eye on it; the skin should be golden brown and crispy.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh oregano to finish. This adds a fresh burst of flavor just before serving.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious Meyer Lemon Roasted Chicken! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be eager to dig in.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even tastier.
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Just make sure to store it properly in a freezer-safe container.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to create new flavor profiles.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil and lemon mixture for a few hours before roasting.