Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet elegant dish where a single half chicken is marinated in lemon and herbs, roasted until golden, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, thinly sliced lemon, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the 1 half chicken dry with paper towels, then rub 1 tbsp olive oil all over the skin.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken inside and out with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place the half chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan. Surround with 1 lemon (thinly sliced, about 1/4 cup) and pour 1/2 cup chicken broth into the pan.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 45-50 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Chicken Lemon Herb Roast?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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