Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic
Tender oven-roasted chicken infused with the distinct citrusy aroma of lemon myrtle and roasted garlic, a comforting Australian classic. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 95 minutes pairs (about 4 lbs) whole chicken, lemon myrtle powder, peeled and smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 (about 4 lbs) whole chicken
- 2 tsp lemon myrtle powder
- 6, peeled and smashed garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1, quartered lemon
- 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat dry 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs) with paper towels and place in a roasting pan.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tsp lemon myrtle powder, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper to create a fragrant paste.
- Step 3: Rub this lemon myrtle and olive oil mixture generously all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Step 4: Stuff the chicken cavity with 6 smashed garlic cloves, 1 quartered lemon, and 3 fresh rosemary sprigs for aromatic roasting.
- Step 5: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (15 min prep + 80 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 Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic?
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 (about 4 lbs) whole chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic?
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 Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Oven-Roasted Aussie Chicken with Lemon Myrtle and Garlic?
Australian 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.
