Description
Learn how to make a delicious Lemon Thyme Roast Chicken with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 roasting chickens, 5-6 lb (2.3-2.7 kg) each
- salt & pepper
- 454 g carrots, cut diagonally into 5 cm chunks
- 2 large yellow onions, thickly sliced
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 1 large bunch of fresh thyme, leaves removed and then chopped (discard the stems)
- 57 g beef fat, melted (1/2 stick)
Instructions
- Take out the giblets from the chickens. Wash them thoroughly inside and out. Trim any extra fat and remaining feathers, then dry the exterior thoroughly. Generously season the outside of the chickens with salt, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour.
- While waiting, chop the carrots, slice the onions, cut the lemons into quarters, and chop the thyme leaves.
- Once the hour is up, set your oven to 425 degrees F. Unwrap the chickens and use a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
- Season the interior of each chicken with salt and pepper. Fill each cavity with thyme and lemon quarters, using four quarters per chicken.
- Bind the legs of each chicken using kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips beneath the body. Arrange them in a roasting pan, then coat the exterior with two tablespoons of melted beef fat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Scatter the carrot pieces and onion slices around the chickens in the pan.
- Cook the chickens for 90 minutes, or until the juices are clear when cutting between the leg and thigh. Confirm that the internal temperature has reached at least 165 degrees F with a meat thermometer.
- Take the chickens and vegetables out of the oven. Let the chickens rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve on a platter with the vegetables and, if desired, gravy.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or sage to the chicken cavity with thyme and lemon.
- Pat the chickens dry with paper towels for a crispy skin before seasoning and roasting.
- Ensure vegetables in the roasting pan have enough space to caramelize evenly; save drippings for a delicious gravy.
