Rustic Italian Herb-Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and chopped
• 1 bunch fresh thyme, leaves stripped and chopped
• 1 whole lemon, halved
• 1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 02
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
3. 03
   Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4. 04
   Season the chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. 05
   Sprinkle the chopped rosemary and thyme over the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
6. 06
   Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken, then place the squeezed halves inside the cavity of the chicken.
7. 07
   Scatter the garlic cloves around the chicken in the pan.
8. 08
   Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 75 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
9. 09
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
10. 10
    Serve the chicken with the roasted garlic and pan juices.