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close up of roasted chicken with caramelized lemon, garlic, and onion

Crispy Roasted Chicken Recipe

A simple, crispy roasted chicken with juicy meat and a lemon–garlic pan sauce that makes itself. Optional easy brine for extra flavor!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Brine (Optional)

Chicken

Instructions

Brining the Chicken

  • Mix salt and seasoning in just enough warm water to dissolve the salt.
  • Add ice to chill water.
  • Place chicken in brine. Add water to cover bird.
  • Place lid on container and store in fridge minimum of 8 hours and to 48 hours.

Roasting the Chicken

  • Coat roasting pan or large cast iron skillet with avocado oil.
  • Place halves of lemon and garlic head flat side down on to roasting pan.
  • Arrange the onion rings to fill up any empty space. You're trying to create a nice bed for the chicken.
  • Remove the chicken from the brine.
  • Dry the chicken with paper towels. Season liberally with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
  • Place the chicken, breast side up, onto the bed of garlic, lemons, and onions.
  • Tuck the wings underneath the bird and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. You are simply creating a way for the bird to roast more evenly.
  • Roast at 425° for approximately an hour to an hour and a half or until 165° internal temp at thickest part of the bird. The size of your bird will determine actual cook time.
  • Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes.
  • Slice meat, drizzle with pan drippings, and devour.
  • Get a napkin and repeat above step.

Notes

The caramelized garlic would be amazing smeared on toasted bread, mixed into mashed potatoes, or eaten along with the chicken. We've tried it every way and it truly is glorious. 
You can add carrots and potatoes to the chicken's "veggie bed" if you're looking to make this a one pot meal. They turn out amazing, as well!
Save the carcass for bone broth.
The size of your bird will determine actual roasting time. Use a meat thermometer to take out any guesswork on final internal temp. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
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