Adan Kendric Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Roast Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the best in a classic roast. Infused with the zesty freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and herbs enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- Crispy Skin: Roasting at the right temperature ensures beautifully golden, crispy skin.
- Moist and Tender Meat: The lemon and herb butter keep the chicken juicy and succulent.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this dish.
- Versatile Side Pairings: Pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
What Is Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken?
Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Roast Chicken is a classic roast chicken recipe flavored with fresh lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The result is a crispy-skinned chicken with juicy, flavorful meat, perfect for any occasion.
Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5–2 kg)
- 2 lemons, halved
- 1 bulb garlic, halved crosswise
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 50g butter, softened
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the halved lemons, garlic, and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
Make the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped thyme or rosemary. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken breast with your fingers and spread the herb butter under the skin.
Season the Chicken:
Rub the olive oil over the chicken skin and season generously with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Roasting Tray:
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting tray. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Roast the Chicken:
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes for extra flavor.
Rest the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat tender.
Carve and Serve:
Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables and your favorite sides.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken
- Roasted potatoes: Crispy and golden, they pair perfectly with the chicken.
- Steamed greens: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness to the meal.
- Rice or couscous: Absorbs the flavorful juices from the chicken.
- Gravy: Use the pan drippings to make a rich, savory gravy.
- Fresh salad: A light salad balances the richness of the roasted chicken.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly by checking the internal temperature.
- Don’t skip the basting: Basting helps achieve a golden, crispy skin and keeps the meat juicy.
- Let it rest: Resting the chicken is crucial for retaining its moisture.
- Add extra herbs: Experiment with sage, oregano, or parsley for a unique flavor twist.
- Choose quality ingredients: A free-range chicken and fresh lemons make a noticeable difference.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken
- Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or chili flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
- Citrus medley: Use a mix of oranges, limes, and lemons for a citrusy twist.
- Garlic lovers: Add extra garlic cloves around the chicken for a roasted garlic side.
- Vegetable medley: Include potatoes, parsnips, or bell peppers in the roasting tray.
- Wine-infused: Pour a splash of white wine into the roasting tray for extra depth of flavor.
How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container: Store leftover chicken for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Shred the meat and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Keep the pan juices: Save the drippings for reheating or making gravy.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken Leftovers?
- Oven method: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave option: Heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Stovetop method: Warm shredded chicken with a bit of stock in a skillet over low heat.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
How do you keep roast chicken moist while cooking?
To keep roast chicken moist, baste it with its pan juices every 20-30 minutes during cooking. Resting the chicken for 10-15 minutes after roasting also helps retain its juices.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs for lemon roast chicken?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh since they are more concentrated in flavor.
What is the best way to check if roast chicken is done?
The best way to check if roast chicken is done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
Can I prepare lemon roast chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare lemon roast chicken in advance by seasoning and stuffing the chicken a few hours before cooking. Store it in the fridge until ready to roast.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Roast Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright, zesty flavor and tender meat make it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings. Why not try this recipe today and bring some classic comfort to your table?
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Jamie Oliver Lemon Roast Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Lemon Roast Chicken is a classic roast chicken recipe flavored with fresh lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs. The result is a crispy-skinned chicken with juicy, flavorful meat, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
-
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5–2 kg)
-
- 2 lemons, halved
-
- 1 bulb garlic, halved crosswise
-
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
-
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
- 50g butter, softened
-
- 1 onion, quartered
-
- 2 carrots, chopped
-
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the halved lemons, garlic, and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
Make the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped thyme or rosemary. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken breast with your fingers and spread the herb butter under the skin.
Season the Chicken:
Rub the olive oil over the chicken skin and season generously with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Roasting Tray:
Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting tray. Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Roast the Chicken:
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 75°C (165°F). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes for extra flavor.
Rest the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Carve and Serve:
Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables and your favorite sides.
