Baked Chicken with Soothing Lemon and Thyme

This simple yet flavorful recipe for baked chicken is perfect for a weeknight meal. The lemon and thyme add a bright and herbaceous flavor that will make your taste buds sing. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

This recipe is inspired by the classic French dish, poulet au citron. I first had this dish at a small bistro in Paris, and I was immediately hooked. The chicken was so moist and flavorful, and the lemon and thyme sauce was to die for. I've been trying to recreate that dish ever since, and I've finally come up with a recipe that I'm happy with. My version is a bit simpler than the traditional dish, but it's just as delicious.

Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 75 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, inside and out.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and add the chicken broth.
6. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Why It Works

• The lemon and thyme add a bright and herbaceous flavor to the chicken.
• The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and juicy.
• The salt and pepper season the chicken and enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
• The chicken broth helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out.