Quick roast lemon chicken is a great weeknight meal with minimum fuss. By butterflying the chicken it cooks in half the time and allows you to add your veggies in from the start.
I love meals like this that all go in at once and allow you to clean up while the magic happens. So easy and perfect for busy families. I have used the zest of two lemon which add a real lemony flavour hit. I think the lemon is really lovely with the veggies, particularly the pumpkin. Just be sure to cut your veggies in to large chunks so they don’t cook too quickly. Enjoy xx
Quick Roast Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 free-range Chicken (approx 1.6kgs, preferably organic)
- 60 grams butter; softened but not melted
- 1 clove garlic;
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley + extra to garnish
- 2 lemons
- Veggies: Carrot , parsnip, pumpkin, sweet potato, broccoli or whatever you like...
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees C (400 degrees F). Butterfly the chicken by placing it breast side down on the counter. Remove the backbone by cutting down both sides of the bone. Flatten it as much as you can. Turn it over and loosen the skin over the breast by easing under it with your hands.
- Combine the softened butter, garlic and the zest of two lemons and place 3/4 of it under the skin and spread it around. Pat dry the skin with a paper towel and add the remainder to the top of the chicken.
- Cut your veggies quite chunky and add to the pan (excluding fast cooking veggies like broccoli, add them when there is about 10-15 minutes cooking time remaining) with a splash of oil and season with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in half and place two halves under the chicken and the other two cut side down in the pan.
- Cook for 40 - 50 minutes or until cooked through. The juices should run clear once cooked. Alternatively test with a thermometer, chicken should be 75 degrees C (165 degrees F) once cooked.
Notes
If using potatoes - parboil before adding to roasting pan as they will take longer. Veggies cooked this way aren't super crispy but they have a lovely lemony flavour.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
Hey Cristie,
First of all what a cool kid and lovely pictures. Looks like you both have a good time together! He reminder me at my youngest son :) think They’re both the same age. Your chicken looks delicious too! I never made it roadkilled. Maybe I should give it a try now :)
Cheers
Thanks very much Simon, we do have a lot of fun. It’s such a great age, they just want to be involved in everything! Let me know if you make it, I’d love to know what you think. Love the name of your blog by the way…
My family would flip for this! Looks like a perfect rainy Seattle sunday kinda meal!
Thanks Kathi, yes it a nice comforting kind of meal. Perfect of raining days I agree :)
This roast looks so good…love the idea for butterflying the chicken to cut on cooking time…and the kid he’s so adorable! :)
Thanks Wajeeha, yes its a great option to try if you are short on time. Thank you, the little dude is my everything…
Love this! Your photos are stunning and love the lemon and parsley with the chicken!
Thanks so much Annie, I love anything lemony!
I love making oven roasted chicken. So good. And so low fuss, but can create the base for so many meals to come. Is that a lemon tree in your own yard? I already know you grow your own avocados but lemons too?! I need to learn from you !!
Thanks so much Vicky, its not in my yard unfortunately – we live in an apartment, that is at my mums house. Its such a little lemon tree but has the juiciest lemons and lot of them… I grow herbs and I have a few tomato plants on my balcony and an avocado tree of course! I would so love to have a nice big veggie patch in the backyard. One day maybe!
The simple stuff is always the best. Thanks for this Christie…and I’m jealous you have a sous chef :)
Thanks Derek, I’m all for the simple meals. Yes at only two he is a big help. He loves to cook as much as I do….
Beautiful yummy recipe and great pictures, if I could only pick some fresh lemons… nice job!
Thanks Silvia, isn’t it such a treat to be able to pick your own fruit and veggies! I only just wish I had more space…
Oh wow Cristie, I love quick and easy recipe like this roast lemon chicken. Looks so delicious and your kid is so adorable :)
Thanks Linda, this is a good one. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
What a beautiful visual treat this post is.. simply loved ur story thru the pix
Thank you Fareeha, it is always nice to hear positive feedback. I really appreciate it. xx
This looks AMAZING! I’m going to have to bookmark this for the holiday season. I love the usage of lemon zest, it always adds such a yummy, bright flavor!
Lemon zest is a favourite of mine. I tend to use it a lot! It is particularly good with roast chicken. I’d love to know what you think if you decide to make it. Keep me posted xx