Simple Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Simple Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken is one of those classic recipes that fills the kitchen with a comforting, irresistible aroma, promising a delicious meal even before you taste a bite. This version features a flavorful herb-garlic marinade of rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, and pimento pepper, all roasted to create juicy meat and perfectly crisp skin. It’s straightforward enough for any day but impressive enough to feel like a special treat.

Ingredient Guide

• Whole Chicken: A 3–4 pound bird provides tender meat and golden, crispy skin.
• Fresh Rosemary: Adds pine-like, fragrant notes; chopped and also added to the cavity for extra flavor.
• Garlic: Crushed for sharp, savory depth.
• Pimento Pepper: Traditional Caribbean spice that adds mild heat and aromatic sweetness.
• Lemon (zest & juice): Brightens the marinade and helps tenderize.
• Olive Oil: Helps herbs and seasoning adhere and promotes golden roasting.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors.

Shopping Made Easy

• Look for a whole chicken between 3 and 4 pounds for optimal roasting.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs are best for fragrant flavor; find them in the produce section.
• Pimento peppers may be sold as cherry peppers; use a mild variety if unavailable.
• Check your pantry to ensure olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper are on hand.

Cooking Notes from the Kitchen

• Tying the legs and tucking the wings help the chicken roast evenly.
• Basting every 15 minutes keeps the meat moist and helps develop a rich golden skin.
• Letting the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after roasting locks in juices for tender results.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients are pure and uncontaminated.

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole bird?

Absolutely, use drumsticks, thighs, or breasts; just adjust roasting time accordingly.

Print Recipe

Simple Garlic Rosemary Roasted Chicken

Recipe Keys: Dairy Free Gluten Free Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 6

Diet:

C Chicken G Gluten-Free

Description

A tender, flavorful roast chicken infused with garlic, rosemary, lemon, and fragrant Caribbean-style pimento pepper; perfectly golden and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped, plus extra for cavity)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1 pimento pepper (chopped, or substitute celery pepper)
• 1 lemon (zestedd and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ³⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

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1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
2. In a small bowl, mix rosemary, garlic, chopped pimento pepper, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Brush the marinade all over the chicken and inside the cavity; stuff with extra rosemary and lemon pieces. Tie legs and tuck wings.
   
4. Place chicken breast-side up on the middle rack; roast uncovered. Baste every 15 minutes with accumulated juices.
   
5. Roast for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) in the thickest part.
   
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to retain juices.
   

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