Paraben Free Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is one of those timeless centerpiece dishes that never gets old, and this version delivers golden, crackling skin with herb-scented meat that's genuinely hard to resist. Every ingredient here is straightforward and whole — fresh herbs, lemon, kosher salt, and garlic-infused olive oil — so you're not navigating a minefield of preservatives or synthetic additives that often sneak into bottled marinades and spice blends. The technique of rubbing herb oil directly under the skin means the rosemary, thyme, and parsley flavor the meat from the inside out, not just the surface. Stuffing the cavity with fresh herb sprigs, scallion tops, and lemon halves keeps things aromatic and bright without relying on anything processed. Starting the roast at high heat and then dropping the temperature is what gives you that deeply bronzed exterior while keeping the interior juicy all the way through. Letting the chicken rest before carving is a small step that makes a big difference — the juices settle back into the meat and every slice stays tender. Serve it with lemon wedges and a scatter of fresh parsley for a finish that's as clean and vibrant as the ingredient list itself.
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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.
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