Roasted Chicken Lemon Thyme

Discovering this roasted chicken recipe felt like uncovering a cozy family secret. The way the lemon and thyme infuse the meat with freshness quickly made it a staple in my kitchen.

I’ll never forget the time unexpected guests arrived, and this roast was the hero that turned a rushed dinner into a memorable evening filled with compliments.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken: I like using a 1.5 kg bird for perfect roasting times and even cooking
• Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for brightness—halved and squeezed for max zing
• Fresh thyme: Adds that earthy aromatic punch that transforms the dish
• Garlic cloves: Smashed to release flavor but not overpower the dish
• Onions, carrots, celery: These create a solid flavor base and roasting veggies add tasty accompaniments
• Olive oil: Helps crisp the skin nicely and adds richness
• Salt, pepper, paprika: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances the savory flavors
• Unsalted butter: For basting—keeps everything moist and adds buttery goodness

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the chicken dry so the skin crisps up beautifully. You’ll smell the olive oil warming on the skin and see it glisten as you rub it with salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika.

Stuff the bird:

Pop half the lemon, thyme sprigs, and smashed garlic inside the cavity. This lets the flavors slowly seep into the meat as it roasts.

Arrange the bed of veggies:

Spread onions, carrots, celery, plus the rest of the garlic and thyme in your roasting pan. Squeeze the other half of the lemon over these, then tuck in the squeezed halves too—this gives the pan juices a bright lift.

Roast away:

Place the chicken breast-side up on the veggies. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with melted butter after 30 and 60 minutes. Watch the skin turn a gorgeous golden brown, and use a thermometer to check for 75°C (165°F) inside the thickest thigh.

Rest and serve:

Let it rest loosely covered in foil for 10 minutes. This locks in juices. Then carve and serve with the roasted vegetables and all the delicious pan juices.

Save to Pinterest

This dish once turned a gloomy weekday into a celebration when the whole family gathered around, savoring every juicy, lemony bite—it became way more than just dinner.

Keeping It Fresh

Fresh thyme and lemon really make the flavor pop. Frozen herbs won’t quite give you that fresh brightness, so I always reach for fresh when possible. Plus, squeezing lemon over the veggies adds a burst of acidity that balances the richness.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love pairing this roast with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up the pan juices. It also goes surprisingly well with a glass of light chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for a relaxed dinner vibe.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, when unplanned guests arrived, I pulled this roast from the fridge and had it in the oven before anyone knew dinner was even happening. The aroma filled the house, and by the time everyone sat down, it felt like a feast.

• Don’t forget to let the chicken rest—this makes slicing easier and juicy turns guaranteed
• If you want crispiest skin, refrigerate uncovered for a couple of hours before roasting
• Adding potatoes to the pan is a simple way to bulk up the meal without extra fuss

Save to Pinterest

Thanks for spending this time cooking together—hope your kitchen fills with as much warmth and joy as mine does when roasting this chicken.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do lemon and thyme enhance the flavor?

Fresh lemon adds a bright, zesty acidity, while thyme imparts an earthy, herbal aroma that complements the rich poultry flavor.

→ What is the purpose of basting with butter during roasting?

Basting with melted butter keeps the skin moist and encourages a crispy, golden-brown exterior throughout roasting.

→ Can the roasting time vary depending on chicken size?

Yes, larger chickens need longer roasting to reach the safe internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), ensuring thorough cooking.

→ What vegetables work well when roasted with the chicken?

Onions, carrots, and celery provide sweetness and depth, and you can add potatoes for a more filling accompaniment.

→ How can I achieve crispier skin on the chicken?

Leaving the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before roasting helps dry the skin for better crisping.