Rosemary & Lemon Roasted Chicken
Recipe by: Lene Whitfield
Our Recipe Books•
Nov 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.
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.
Ingredients (7)
Ingredients (7)
Instructions
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.
