Nitrate & Nitrite Free Lemon Garlic Roasted Whole Chicken
Roasted whole chicken is one of those deeply satisfying meals that feels like a special occasion even on a Tuesday night. This version gets its incredible flavor from a fragrant paste of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and coconut oil that goes both under the skin and all over the outside of the bird — so every bite is infused with brightness and warmth. A touch of turmeric and ground ginger in the rub adds a subtle, earthy depth that makes this feel anything but ordinary. For anyone avoiding cured meats and processed proteins because of added preservatives, a whole roasted chicken like this is a genuinely satisfying centerpiece — nothing hidden, nothing processed, just real ingredients you can see and smell. The cavity gets stuffed with halved lemon, smashed garlic, fresh thyme, and onion, which perfume the meat from the inside as it roasts. Starting the oven hot and then dropping the temperature gives you that gorgeous golden skin without drying out the meat, and a proper rest before carving keeps everything juicy. Pan drippings spooned over the carved bird at the end tie the whole thing together beautifully.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 whole chicken (3.5–4 lb)
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 8 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
Instructions
- 1
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Set a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, chopped parsley, turmeric, ground ginger, and sea salt until a uniform paste forms.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!