Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy roasted chicken seasoned with saltbush and fragrant lemon myrtle, highlighting unique Australian native herbs. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 95 minutes pairs whole chicken, saltbush dried and crushed, lemon myrtle ground for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp crushed dried saltbush, 1 tbsp ground lemon myrtle, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp ground black pepper to form a herb paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry the 4 lb whole chicken with paper towels. Rub the herb paste all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before carving to keep the juices locked in.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle 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 Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle?

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 whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle?

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 Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle 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 Saltbush Roasted Chicken with Lemon Myrtle?

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.

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