Mouth-Watering Lemon & Garlic Roast Chicken

There's something inherently comforting about the aroma of roast chicken wafting through the kitchen, especially when it's infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and the savory depth of garlic. In this recipe, we take this classic dish to the next level by roasting it on a bed of potatoes and red onions, creating a one-pan wonder that's sure to please your taste buds and simplify your cleanup.

Health Benefits:

Roast chicken, when prepared with the skin on, delivers a healthy dose of high-quality protein while providing essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins and selenium. The addition of lemon and garlic not only elevates the flavour but also contributes to the dish's health benefits. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and promotes collagen production for healthy skin. Garlic, known for its antioxidant properties, may help boost your immune system and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. The bed of potatoes and red onions adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.

Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 whole free range chicken (about 4-5 pounds)

• 4-5 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

• 2 red onions, cut into wedges

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 lemons, zested and cut into wedges

• 2 tablespoons ghee

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Rinse the chicken under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, paprika, and ghee to create a flavourful paste.

4. Rub the garlic-lemon paste all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin for maximum flavour.

5. Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon wedges and fresh thyme sprigs if using.

6. Season the potatoes and onions with a bit of salt, pepper, and olive oil.

7. In the same roasting pan, arrange the potato chunks and red onion wedges under the chicken, creating a bed for the chicken to roast on.

8. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and its skin is golden brown and crispy.

9. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

10. Serve your delicious roast chicken with lemon and garlic on a bed of roasted potatoes and red onions, garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

This delightful dish not only makes for a memorable meal but also provides a healthy balance of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing benefits of this roast chicken recipe with your loved ones.