Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Crispy Potatoes
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a proper Sunday roast chicken without the faff? This lemon herb chicken with crispy potatoes is dead easy. Honestly, it's one of my favourite chicken recipes ever ! The bright lemon and herbs really make it sing.
Brief Overview
This recipe’s inspired by classic comfort food. Think Nanny's roast chicken recipe but with a modern, zesty twist. It’s medium difficulty and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Perfect for 4-6 hungry souls. It's also a great option for Easy Postpartum Meals !
Main Benefits
Chicken dinner ideas don't get much better than this. It’s packed with lean protein. Plus, it's a winner for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to impressing your mates.
It's special because the flavours are just bang on! The crispy potato chicken makes your house a nice place to be!
Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:
Easy Prep: Making Garlic Chicken Wraps Possible!
A good Quick Easy Chicken Dinner is about simplifying things. For the chicken, you'll need a 3-4 pound whole chicken, one lemon, four cloves of garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme.
And don't forget olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Crispy Potato Magic: The Weight Watchers Recipes Dinner Dream
Now, for the star of the show, the potatoes. Grab two pounds of Yukon Golds, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Parsley is optional, but it adds a nice touch. I love potatoes!
Health & Happiness: Quick And Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes Done Right
This isn't just tasty, it's proper good for you. Roasted chicken is a great source of protein. It is perfect for a mid-week meal! Honestly, it is what gets me through the week! Now, onto the instructions.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Ready to whip up some seriously tasty chicken recipes ? You don't need a Michelin star, just these bits and bobs.
Honestly, I've cooked this lemon herb chicken countless times. One time, I even forgot the rosemary, and it still turned out amazing.
Main Players
Chicken: One whole chicken ( 3-4 pounds or 1.36-1.81 kg ). Look for plump, firm skin, and maybe grab a free range one if you can. It makes a difference.
Lemon: 1 large. Get a juicy one! Zest and juice are key.
Garlic: 4 cloves . Minced. Because everything's better with garlic, innit?
Rosemary: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped.
Thyme: 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . The good stuff.
Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt.
Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Potatoes: 2 pounds Yukon Gold ( 0.9 kg ), quartered. Waxy spuds are the way to go for crispy potato chicken .
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for the potatoes.
Salt: 1 teaspoon sea salt for the spuds.
Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for them too.
Parsley: ¼ cup fresh, chopped (optional, for garnish).
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Squad
This is where the magic happens! The lemon, garlic, and herbs are essential . Rosemary and thyme is a classic pairing and really gives that Sunday roast chicken feel.
But hey, fancy a change? Try oregano and basil for a Mediterranean chicken twist. Red pepper flakes give it a kick.
Salt and pepper? Non-negotiable.
Don't have fresh herbs? Dried will do in a pinch. Use half the amount, though. For garlic chicken wraps later in the week, I sometimes chuck in a bit of smoked paprika yum! This is a great quick and easy healthy dinner recipes , even after those long easy postpartum meals days.
Or even a Weight Watchers Recipes Dinner , if you are tracking.
Equipment Needed: No Fancy Gadgets Required
- Roasting Pan: With a rack if you have one. If not, no worries. Just use the pan itself.
- Large Bowl: For the chicken marinade.
- Small Bowl: For prepping bits.
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvs.
- Lemon Zester/Microplane: Get that lemony goodness.
- Meat Thermometer: Seriously, get one. Especially for chicken recipes . You want that 165° F (74° C ).
Don't stress if you don't have a microplane. A fine grater will do. No roasting rack? Just chuck the potatoes under the chicken.
It'll be grand. Ready for a quick easy chicken dinner ? Let's do this!
Alright then, let's talk about the magic of roasting a chicken. Honestly, a good roast chicken recipe is a cornerstone of British cooking.
It's classic! This lemon herb chicken version is just chef's kiss.
Cooking Method: Roasting to Perfection
Roasting a chicken might sound intimidating. But trust me, it's easier than baking a Victoria Sponge almost! The key is to get the skin crispy and the inside juicy.
This recipe delivers both, along with perfectly roasted potatoes that soak up all the lovely chicken juices. And, bonus? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy quick easy chicken dinner .
Plus there are many chicken dinner ideas and this is a sure thing.
Prep Steps: Let’s Get Organized!
First, the essential mise en place . Get everything chopped and measured before you even touch the chicken. Seriously! Chop your herbs, zest your lemon, quarter the potatoes, and mince the garlic.
This will save you loads of time and stress.
Time saving tip : Marinate the chicken the night before. This allows all the flavors to meld together. It's a game changer! It also great Easy Postpartum Meals for when it is too tiering to cook.
Safety Reminder : Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken. We don't want any salmonella surprises, right?
step-by-step: Roast Chicken Recipe Simplified!
- Combine your ingredients . Mix lemon zest, juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken . Rub it all over the chicken, even under the skin.
- Prep the potatoes . Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange chicken and potatoes . Place chicken in the pan, scatter potatoes around. Don’t overcrowd!
- Roast . Preheat oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Roast for 15 minutes , then reduce heat to 350° F ( 175° C) . Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes more, until internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Baste often!
- Rest . Let the chicken rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving.
- Serve . Carve chicken and serve with the crispy potato chicken !
Pro Tips: Sunday Roast Chicken Upgrade!
For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before marinating. And remember, 165° F ( 74° C) is the magic number for a safe and juicy bird! Use a meat thermometer!
Common mistake to avoid : Overcrowding the pan. Give those potatoes some space to breathe. This way you can also make these Garlic Chicken Wraps .
To make it ahead, you can roast the chicken a day in advance and re-heat before serving. This makes it a great Quick And Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes ! For those on Weight Watchers Recipes Dinner , this is a relatively lean option.
Honestly, this lemon herb roast chicken is a winner every time.
Alright, let's talk recipe notes! This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make it absolutely banging.
It is truly one of the best chicken recipes out there!
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro!
Presentation is key, innit? Once your Roast chicken recipe is rested and carved, arrange it nicely on a platter. Surround it with those gorgeous crispy potatoes.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Honestly, even just a simple green salad on the side looks amazing.
For drinks, a crisp white wine or even a sparkling elderflower cordial works a treat. Feeling fancy? A dollop of crème fraîche on the side wouldn't go amiss!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The potatoes are best eaten fresh, but can also be kept for a day or so.
Freezing isn't ideal for the potatoes. The chicken, however, can be frozen for up to a month. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating is best done in the oven at 325° F ( 163° C) to keep it moist. You can also use the microwave, but it might dry out a bit.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Want to put your own spin on things? Go for it! For a weight watchers recipes dinner , skip the potatoes and load up on non-starchy veggies.
To easily adapt this recipe to easy postpartum meals , consider shredding the chicken and adding it to wraps, and you will obtain lovely Garlic Chicken Wraps .
Add a bit of chilli flakes and you get the best quick and easy chicken dinner . As for seasonal swaps, try roasting root vegetables like carrots and parsnips alongside the chicken in autumn.
Or maybe a Lemon herb chicken to make it Crispy potato chicken in winter.
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The lemon and herbs add flavour without loads of extra calories.
This recipe is lower in carbs if you ditch the potatoes. Honestly, it's a balanced and satisfying meal that ticks all the boxes.
Plus, the aroma alone is enough to boost your mood! This is definitely one of the chicken dinner ideas that is both delicious and good for you! It is so Quick And Easy Healthy Dinner Recipes !
There you have it! Some extra bits to help you nail that Sunday roast chicken . Don’t be afraid to have a go.
You will find something great. It may be not perfect first time. But who cares? Just have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my roasted chicken isn't dry, like something you'd find in the Sahara?
Nobody wants a dry chicken! First, pat the chicken dry before adding the marinade. This helps the skin crisp up. More importantly, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Avoid overcooking, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting to redistribute the juices, ensuring a succulent bird.
Can I prepare this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge. This intensifies the flavors and saves you time on the day you plan to roast it. However, I'd recommend prepping the potatoes just before roasting to prevent them from browning or becoming waterlogged.
Think of it as prepping the night before a school bake sale chicken ready, potatoes on the day!
What other vegetables can I roast alongside this chicken besides potatoes? I'm trying to eat my 5 a day!
Loads of veggies work wonderfully! Carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and onions all roast beautifully and complement the lemon herb flavors. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper like the potatoes, and add them to the pan around the chicken about halfway through the roasting time, so they don't burn.
Just think of it as a vegetable garden party in your roasting pan!
How can I make this dish a bit different? Any clever variations for these chicken recipes?
Fancy a twist? Try adding a bit of spice with some red pepper flakes to the herb mixture. For a Mediterranean vibe, swap the rosemary and thyme for oregano and basil, and toss some sun-dried tomatoes with the potatoes. You could even stuff lemon slices and fresh herbs under the chicken skin for extra flavour!
It's all about putting your own stamp on it, like adding your favourite sprinkles to a Victoria Sponge.
How long will leftover roasted chicken and potatoes last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftover roasted chicken and potatoes will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to prevent it from drying out.
For the potatoes, consider pan-frying them in a little olive oil to crisp them up again, or air-frying them if you have one of those fancy gadgets.
Is this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and this recipe uses fresh herbs and lemon, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Roasting also avoids the need for excessive amounts of oil. However, be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the potatoes.
You can reduce the carbs by serving it with more vegetables. A perfectly balanced roast dinner, just like Mum used to make… but maybe a bit healthier!
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken With Crispy Potatoes
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |
