26 Mar 2025
Cook time 90 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
3 lb whole chicken
1 lemon
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sage
Roast lemon chicken in brown paper is a delightful and easy way to prepare a juicy and flavorful meal. Using simple ingredients like lemon, butter, and sage, you can create a dish that's both aromatic and delicious. Cooking the chicken in brown paper helps to lock in moisture, making the meat tender and the skin crispy.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat from the chicken cavity.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub 1 tablespoon of butter inside the chicken cavity. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze a bit of the juice inside the cavity as well, then place both lemon halves inside the chicken.
4. Butter and Sage: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the dried sage to form a seasoned butter mixture.
5. Stuff the Chicken: Rub the seasoned butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will help create a delicious, crispy skin.
6. Wrap in Brown Paper: Take a large piece of brown paper (like a grocery bag), ensuring it's big enough to wrap around the chicken completely. Dampen the paper slightly with water to prevent burning. Place the chicken breast-side up in the center of the paper and wrap it tightly.
7. Roasting: Place the wrapped chicken on a roasting pan or baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes (about 20 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Unwrap and Crisp: Carefully remove the pan from the oven and unwrap the brown paper to expose the chicken. Discard the paper. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
9. Rest the Chicken: Remove the roasted chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
10. Carve and Serve: Carve the lemon chicken and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Ensure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin.
- Massage the butter and sage mixture under the skin for extra flavor.
- Use kitchen string to truss the chicken, helping it cook more evenly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
- Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute.
Roast lemon chicken in brown paper is a simple yet elegant meal that's perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and some handy tips, you can create a roast chicken that's impressively juicy and bursting with flavor. Enjoy your delicious roast lemon chicken with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.