Name: Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken: A Flavorful Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3 lbs.); 1 tablespoon salt; 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 lemon; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 2 carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces

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Introduction

Greek Lemon Garlic Whole is a tantalizing dish that transforms an ordinary roast chicken into a delicious meal. This flavorful and aromatic dish features a perfectly roasted 3-pound chicken seasoned with fresh thyme, lemon, garlic, and paprika, served on a bed of tender potatoes and carrots. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this hearty meal that is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with Mediterranean flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

This dish is a culinary delight for many reasons. First, the Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken is infused with vibrant flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious. Second, it’s a wholesome meal, featuring both protein and vegetables, making it a complete dish. Third, the lemon garlic marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, resulting in juicy, succulent meat. Additionally, this Greek Lemon Garlic Recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted with different vegetables or spices. Moreover, it’s gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, the ease of preparation means you can enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it the best lemon garlic chicken recipe for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

Gather these items:

1 whole chicken (3 lbs.)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces

How to Make Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat dry the whole chicken completely with a paper towel. Mix salt, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning over the chicken, including inside the cavity. Set aside for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Grate the lemon to collect zest into a bowl, then squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the same bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and paprika, and whisk to combine. Stuff the remaining lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. Brush half of this mixture over the chicken.
Step 4: Toss the potatoes and carrots with the remaining lemon garlic mixture until coated.
Step 5: Spread the vegetables in a large cast-iron skillet or roasting pan. Place a roasting rack over the vegetables and set the chicken breast side up on the rack.
Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil on high for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes.
Step 9: Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted potatoes and carrots. Optionally, drizzle extra pan juices and fresh lemon juice on top.

Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken: A Flavorful Delight - Greek Lemon Garlic Whole - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

Keep these in mind:

Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked properly.
Resting the chicken enhances moisture, resulting in juicier meat.
Experiment with additional herbs like oregano for a more authentic Greek-style lemon garlic dish.
For a healthier twist, consider using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Greek salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of tzatziki sauce for an added creaminess. Additionally, leftovers can be used in sandwiches or salads, making it a versatile option for meal prep.

How to Store and Reheat Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

To store leftovers, place the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven to maintain the chicken’s crispy skin. Simply cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This makes it an ideal meal-prep option for your busy week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Lemon Garlic Whole

What’s the secret to perfect Greek Lemon Garlic Whole?

The secret lies in marinating the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors of the lemon, garlic, and herbs to penetrate deeply. This technique ensures a juicy, flavorful chicken that embodies the essence of authentic Greek lemon garlic chicken.

Can I make Greek Lemon Garlic Whole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and vegetables a day in advance. Just marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. On the day of serving, simply roast it as directed for a delicious, ready-to-go meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek Lemon Garlic Whole?

One common mistake is not allowing the chicken to rest before carving. Resting is crucial as it lets the juices redistribute, preventing a dry chicken. Additionally, ensure you check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.

Variations of Greek Lemon Garlic Whole You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations: add olives or capers for a briny twist, use different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or try a different marinade with yogurt for a creamier texture. You can also make this dish using a whole turkey for larger gatherings, maintaining the Greek-inspired flavors.

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Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Chicken: A Flavorful Delight

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Greek Lemon Garlic Whole Roast Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring a perfectly roasted 3-pound chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, lemon, garlic, and paprika. It is served on a bed of tender potatoes and carrots, making it a complete meal with crispy skin and juicy meat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken (3 lbs.)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 carrots, chopped into 1-inch pieces

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Instructions

Pat dry the whole chicken completely with a paper towel. Mix salt, pepper, and thyme in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning over the chicken, including inside the cavity. Set aside for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grate the lemon to collect zest into a bowl, then squeeze 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into the same bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and paprika, and whisk to combine. Stuff the remaining lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. Brush half of this mixture over the chicken.
Toss the potatoes and carrots with the remaining lemon garlic mixture until coated.
Spread the vegetables in a large cast-iron skillet or roasting pan. Place a roasting rack over the vegetables and set the chicken breast side up on the rack.
Roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil on high for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes.
Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted potatoes and carrots. Optionally, drizzle extra pan juices and fresh lemon juice on top.