Tuscan Lemon and Herb Infused Roast Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 whole lemon, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 4 sprigs thyme

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 02
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
3. 03
   Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. 04
   Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken, then place the lemon halves inside the cavity.
5. 05
   Add the crushed garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
6. 06
   Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up, and tuck the wing tips under the body.
7. 07
   Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. 08
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
9. 09
   Serve the chicken with pan juices drizzled over the top, and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.