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Italian Herb Roasted Chicken

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Italian Herb Roasted Chicken is a rustic and flavorful dish with crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, infused with garlic, rosemary, oregano, and lemon. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for both everyday dinners and special meals.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45–75 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour–1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken or 3–4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or 1 tsp each of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
  • 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin if using a whole bird.
  4. Place the chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan or on a sheet pan with a rack. Add fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.
  5. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 45–55 minutes for pieces or 1 hour 15 minutes for a whole chicken).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with pan drippings spooned over the top.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Add vegetables like onions, potatoes, or carrots for a one-pan meal.
  • Smoked paprika or balsamic vinegar adds extra dimension.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan before finishing in the oven for a golden crust.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition