Lemon, garlic and thyme roast chickens

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with our Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Roast Chickens recipe. Juicy whole chicken marinated in zesty lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic, then roasted with fresh thyme, lemon slices, and crispy bacon strips. A simple yet delicious dish sure to impress!

  • 23 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 60 min
  • Prep time 330 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Lemon, garlic and thyme roast chickens

This Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Roast Chicken recipe is a delightful and succulent dish that combines zesty citrus flavors with the rich taste of garlic and thyme. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will fill your home with irresistible aromas and have everyone eagerly anticipating the first bite.

Ingredients:

1 cup lemon juice
200g
1/2 cup olive oil
120g
2 garlic cloves
6g
3 lb whole chicken
1360g
2 lemons
220g
5 bacon strips
120g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Pour the lemon, oil, and garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring that it coats the bird evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer if time allows, in the refrigerator.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
After marinating, stuff the cavity of the chicken with half of the lemon slices and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
5. Prepare the Bacon:
Place the remaining lemon slices on top of the chicken. Drape the bacon strips over the chicken, covering as much of the surface as possible.
6. Roast the Chicken:
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist. If the bacon becomes too crisp before the chicken is done, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
8. Serve:
Carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted lemon slices, bacon, and pan juices drizzled over the top. Garnish with additional thyme sprigs if desired.

Tips:

- Ensure to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal roasting.

- Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavors.

- Stuff the chicken with lemon halves and thyme sprigs for added aroma and taste.

- Place the bacon strips over the chicken to keep it moist and add a smoky flavor.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.

- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting before carving to keep the juices inside.

There you have it – a mouth-watering Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Roast Chicken that will impress your guests and become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size250 grams
Energy
Calories 600kcal30%
Protein
Protein 50g33%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 4.72g1%
Fiber 0.85g2%
Sugar 1.31g1%
Fat
Fat 54g66%
Saturated 14g46%
Cholesterol 160mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 180ug20%
Choline 120mg22%
Vitamin B1 0.21mg17%
Vitamin B2 0.38mg29%
Vitamin B3 13mg82%
Vitamin B6 0.58mg34%
Vitamin B9 18ug5%
Vitamin B12 0.63ug26%
Vitamin C 24mg27%
Vitamin E 0.60mg4%
Vitamin K 8ug7%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 45mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.16mg18%
Iron, Fe 2.76mg25%
Magnesium, Mg 44mg10%
Phosphorus, P 330mg26%
Potassium, K 500mg15%
Selenium, Se 45ug84%
Sodium, Na 410mg27%
Zinc, Zn 4.34mg39%
Water
Water 140g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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