Rao's Famous Lemon Chicken

Experience the zesty, herbaceous magic of Rao's Famous Lemon Chicken, a timeless roast chicken recipe that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This crowd-pleasing dish features a whole roasted chicken seasoned with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, then bathed in the vibrant flavors of freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a garlic-infused chicken stock. Fresh oregano adds a fragrant herbal touch, creating a sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over the juicy, golden-brown chicken. With only 20 minutes of prep time and an hour in the oven, this simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special dinner party centerpiece. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a bright and satisfying meal guaranteed to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 lb chicken, whole
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 3 large lemons, juiced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 0.5 cup chicken stock
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up when roasting.

Step 3

Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, including under the skin where possible.

Step 4

Season the chicken generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.

Step 5

Place the chicken into a roasting pan or large ovenproof skillet, breast-side up.

Step 6

Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken, evenly distributing it. Sprinkle the lemon zest on top for an added layer of flavor.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the chicken stock, minced garlic, and chopped oregano. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the chicken moist and to form the base of the sauce.

Step 8

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes.

Step 9

Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.

Step 10

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon the pan juices over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Step 11

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(859.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1595.1

Total Fat 105.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 409.8mg	0%
Sodium 1621.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.3g
Protein 133.0g	0%

Vitamin D 59.0IU	0%
Calcium 204.7mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 1352.1mg	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: 60.2%

Protein: 33.8%

Carbs: 6.1%