Nutmeg Free Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is one of those timeless dinners that feels special without demanding much from the cook, and this version delivers serious flavor through a handful of fresh herbs and bright citrus. Garlic-infused olive oil carries rosemary, thyme, and parsley directly under the skin and all over the outside, so every bite is fragrant and deeply savory. The lemon zest in the rub and the halved lemon tucked inside the cavity keep things lively without overpowering the natural richness of the bird. Every single ingredient here is straightforward and clean — no spice blends, no pre-made sauces, nothing that might sneak in unwanted seasonings. That matters more than you might think, because nutmeg has a way of hiding in poultry rubs, stuffing mixes, and even some store-bought herb blends. Starting at a high heat to brown the skin, then dropping the temperature to finish cooking low and slow, is the move that makes this bird genuinely crave-worthy. Rest it for ten minutes before carving and you'll be rewarded with juicy meat and crackling, golden skin every single time.
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 garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and halved
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
For the cavity
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 scallions, green tops only, trimmed
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken completely dry inside and out with paper towels — dry skin is essential for browning.
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together the garlic-infused oil, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!