Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken: 1 whole (about 2-3 pounds)
- Fresh lemon: 3-4, zested and juiced
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Zest the lemons and juice them. Set the juice aside.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with fresh rosemary and lemon zest.
- Place the chicken on a baking dish and pour the lemon juice around it.
- Roast for about 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through, basting with lemon juice every 15 minutes.
- If desired, add a knob of butter over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a crispy skin.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Depending on the size of the chicken, the number of calories will vary. A general estimate would be around 400-500 calories per serving.
- Protein, fats, and other nutritional information will also depend on the size of the chicken and any additional ingredients used.
Dish Characteristics:
- This dish has a citrusy and herbal flavor combination that Americans often enjoy.
- The lemon zest and juice add a bright, acidic note to the chicken, while the rosemary gives it a savory herbal flavor.
- The dish is simple yet elegant, suitable for special occasions or weekend dinners.
User Comments:
- "The lemon flavor was amazing! My family loved it."
- "The chicken was so juicy and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper."
- "I added some garlic during the last 20 minutes of baking, gave it a great flavor boost."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to buy a fresh chicken with no signs of spoilage.
- Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.
- Basting the chicken with lemon juice helps keep it moist and adds more lemon flavor.
- If you want to make this dish even more special, try using a different type of lemon, like Meyer lemon, which has a unique, sweet flavor.
