Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken

Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken is easy to make for a family dinner at home, or to pack along for a picnic. It’s nice to have a healthier variation from the traditional picnic food of fried chicken. Its fresh and herb-filled goodness is perfect for spring picnic time! Whether you pack this along to celebrate Mother’s Day with a picnic, or make it a simple week night dinner, this recipe couldn’t be easier!

Lemon Thyme Roasted Chicken

1 4-lb. whole chicken

1/4 c. butter, softened

2 t. fresh thyme leaves

3-5 sprigs of thyme

2 lemons, halved

3 cloves of garlic, unpeeled

kosher salt

freshly cracked pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Rinse chicken, inside and out, and pat dry. Place in a 9 x 13 pan, breast side up. Run fingers underneath the skin of the breast to loosen it from the meat.

In a small bowl, combine softened butter and 2 t. fresh thyme leaves.

Spread butter mixture between the skin and breast meat of chicken.

Squeeze lemons over chicken.

Toss squeezed lemon halves, unpeeled garlic, and thyme sprigs into the chicken cavity.

Brush chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper.

Place in a 450 degree oven and roast for 20 minutes.

Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast 40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer, basting frequently.

Rest 20 minutes before carving.

Can be served hot or cold. When sliced, it also makes great chicken sandwiches.

Serves 4.

Everything you need to complete the meal is on sale 20% OFF in the shop from now until midnight on Mother’s Day with code LOVEMOM…tartan picnic blanket, enamelware dishes, picnic cutlery, picnic basket, and more!