Recipe by: Lene Whitfield
Our Recipe Books features a unique collection of authentic Texas home-cooking recipes straight from the heart of the Homestead Heritage community, where tradition and wholesome ingredients come together to create mouthwatering meals.
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November 1, 2025
Not everyone needs a full turkey to make Thanksgiving feel special. This roasted chicken delivers all the warmth and flavor of a holiday meal in a smaller, more approachable way. Fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon create a golden, aromatic bird that’s simple enough for a weeknight but worthy of any celebration. It’s the perfect choice for singles, small families, or anyone craving that comforting holiday flavor without all the fuss.
Preheat the oven to 450 °F°F.
Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil (or butter), rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest.
Season the chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Place it in a roasting pan. Gently rub the rosemary mixture under the skin and over the entire chicken. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Add lemons: Place the quartered lemons inside the cavity. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under.
Roast: Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375 °F°F. Continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 180 °F°F, about 1 hour and 10 minutes total.
Finish and serve: Squeeze half a lemon over the chicken. Cover loosely with foil until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon slices.
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