Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme

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

Juicy roasted half-chicken infused with fresh lemon and thyme, perfect for a comforting dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs half chicken (about 2.5 lbs), whole lemon, fresh thyme sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Rinse and pat dry 1 half chicken (about 2.5 lbs). Slice 1 lemon into thin rounds and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Rub the chicken all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stuff the cavity with 4 fresh thyme sprigs and half the lemon slices.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken skin-side up on a roasting pan and scatter the remaining lemon slices on top. Roast for 40-45 minutes until the skin is golden and juices run clear when pierced.
  4. Step 4: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme?

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 half chicken (about 2.5 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme?

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 Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme 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 Roasted Half-Chicken with Lemon and Thyme?

Mediterranean 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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