Healing Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

This roasted chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. The lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with a bright, citrusy flavor, while the oregano adds a touch of herbal complexity. The chicken is roasted until golden brown and cooked through, resulting in a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal.

This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family. My grandmother used to make it for us every Sunday, and it was always a favorite. I've made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, but the basic ingredients and cooking method have remained the same. I love this recipe because it's so easy to make, and it always turns out perfectly. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken. I often make a big batch of roasted chicken on the weekend, and then use the leftovers to make sandwiches, salads, and soups throughout the week.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 75 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the chicken all over with the marinade.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Why It Works

• The combination of lemon and garlic is a classic flavor combination that always works well with chicken.
• The oregano adds a touch of herbal complexity to the dish.
• Roasting the chicken at a high temperature helps to create a golden brown, crispy skin.
• Letting the chicken rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.