Garlic and Citrus Roast Chicken

Infuse your dinner table with the bright, zesty flavors of this Garlic and Citrus Roast Chicken—a show-stopping meal that's as aromatic as it is delicious. This recipe features a whole chicken coated in a savory blend of garlic, olive oil, and bold spices, with the vibrant zest of lemon and orange bringing a refreshing citrusy twist. Stuffed with citrus pieces, fresh rosemary, and thyme, this roast chicken delivers a perfect balance of juicy tenderness and crispy golden skin. A foolproof roasting technique ensures the bird cooks evenly, while optional chicken broth keeps the pan juices rich and flavorful. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy dinners, this impressive dish is easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Make every bite unforgettable with this irresistible Garlic and Citrus Roast Chicken!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:85 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 3-4 lbs Whole chicken
• 6 large Garlic cloves
• 1 whole Lemon
• 1 whole Orange
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 sprigs Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 4 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets if present.

Step 3

Using clean hands, gently loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers between the skin and the breast meat without tearing it.

Step 4

Peel and mince 4 garlic cloves, then combine them in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the zest of the lemon, the zest of the orange, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.

Step 5

Rub the garlic and citrus mixture generously under the loosened skin of the chicken and over the surface of the chicken.

Step 6

Cut the lemon and orange into quarters. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the citrus chunks, the remaining whole garlic cloves (crushed), 2 rosemary sprigs, and 3 thyme sprigs.

Step 7

Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt.

Step 9

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 11

Optional: To keep the pan juices from evaporating, pour 0.5 cup of chicken broth into the roasting pan halfway through cooking time.

Step 12

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Garnish with extra rosemary or thyme if desired.

Step 13

Serve the Garlic and Citrus Roast Chicken with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1768.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	735.7

Total Fat 54.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 102.1mg	0%
Sodium 4098.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 37.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.8g	0%
Total Sugars 13.7g
Protein 31.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 184.8mg	0%
Iron 4.6mg	0%
Potassium 880.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.7%

Protein: 16.7%

Carbs: 19.7%