Portuguese chicken

Oven Lemon Chicken – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

I propose a recipe for oven-baked lemon chicken that is not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. The combination of juicy chicken and the fresh aroma of lemon will turn any meal into a feast. This quick recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasions. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 2 fresh lemons
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 50 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onion) for garnish

Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the chicken. Wash it very well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. This is an essential step to achieve a delicious and healthy chicken.

2. Take the lemons and wash them as well. Then, roll them on a flat surface, applying moderate pressure to soften them. This trick helps release the juice from the lemons, which will enhance the flavor.

3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature will allow the chicken to brown evenly, achieving a crispy crust.

4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mixture will contribute to a delicious marinade that will penetrate deep into the meat.

5. Place the chicken in a baking dish and use a knife to make a few incisions on the breast and thighs. This step is important as it helps the marinade penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful.

6. Stuff the inside of the chicken with two lemons cut into quarters and whole garlic cloves. The aroma of garlic will give an extraordinary taste and perfectly complement the lemon.

7. Using a kitchen brush, coat the chicken with the prepared marinade, ensuring you cover the entire surface well.

8. If desired, you can add the chopped vegetables around the chicken. They will cook along with the chicken, absorbing the flavors and becoming a delicious side dish.

9. Now, place the dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 1 hour. Check occasionally, and for a crispier crust, you can turn it halfway through the baking time.

10. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will help redistribute the juices, making the meat more tender.

Serving:
Serve the chicken with the vegetable garnish, drizzled with the juice from the remaining lemons in the dish. You can also add a fresh salad for a contrast of textures and colors.

Variation suggestion:
For an exotic touch, you can add spices such as smoked paprika or ground coriander to the olive oil marinade. You can also try using lime instead of lemon for a different flavor.

This oven lemon chicken recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors, perfect for impressing family and friends. I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!