Milk Street Roast Chicken with Lemon & Thyme
A simple, elegant roast chicken featuring golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat. Infused with bright lemon and aromatic thyme, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Kitchen twine (for trussing)
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 3–4 lbs, rinsed and patted dry
- 2 lemons:
- 1 lemon halved (for stuffing)
- 1 lemon juiced (for drizzling)
- 4 garlic cloves smashed
- 4 –5 sprigs fresh thyme plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 onion quartered (for added aromatics)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Cavity:
- Place one halved lemon, the smashed garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of thyme inside the cavity.
- Optionally, add the quartered onion for extra flavor.
- Season the Exterior:
- Squeeze the juice of the second lemon evenly over the chicken.
- If desired, sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on the outside.
- Truss the Chicken:
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath to ensure even cooking.
- Roast:
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Roast for about 60–75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with additional thyme and serve with your favorite sides.
- Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
- Total Time: 75–90 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American / European
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Paleo-friendly
- Keywords:
- Roast Chicken, Lemon, Thyme, Oven-Roasted, Family Dinner, Simple Chicken Recipe
- Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Notes
Dry Skin is Key: For extra-crispy skin, ensure the chicken is thoroughly patted dry before seasoning.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.
Herb Variations: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor twist.
Leftovers: Leftover roast chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts around the chicken in the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.
Herb Variations: Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor twist.
Leftovers: Leftover roast chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.