Spiced lemon chicken baked

Spiced Lemon Roasted Chicken

Who doesn't love a juicy, flavorful chicken, slow-cooked to perfection? Today's recipe – spiced lemon roasted chicken – is an ideal choice for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing for personal preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (1 kg)
- 1 lemon
- 4 small onions
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 100 ml olive oil
- 200 ml white wine
- For spices:
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
- white pepper
- dried thyme
- ground coriander
- dried rosemary
- dried marjoram
- ground cloves
- ground bay leaves
- garlic granules
- chili

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken thoroughly, ensuring you remove any leftover feathers. A good method is to pass the chicken over a small flame to eliminate any unwanted parts. Wash it well under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Preparing the spices: In a bowl, mix all the spices: salt, freshly ground pepper, white pepper, thyme, coriander, rosemary, marjoram, cloves, bay leaves, garlic granules, and chili. If you have dried spices, use a mortar to crush them slightly for more intense flavors. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely. This mix will add a special flavor to your chicken.

3. Seasoning the chicken: Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the entire surface of the chicken, making sure it gets well inside. This step will ensure every bite is full of flavor.

4. Preparing the vegetables: Wash the lemon with hot water, then dry it and cut it into slices, leaving the skin on. Peel the onions and cut them into 6-8 pieces. Coarsely chop the garlic. This vegetable combination will add moisture and flavor to the chicken during baking.

5. Stuffing the chicken: Place half of the lemon slices, some onion pieces, and the chopped garlic inside the chicken. These ingredients will release delicious aromas during cooking. Arrange the remaining vegetables in the baking tray or dish where you will cook the chicken.

6. Cooking the chicken: Lightly drizzle the chicken with a bit of olive oil, and pour the remaining oil into the tray. Add the white wine, which will help keep the chicken juicy. Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

7. Baking: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius. Let the chicken bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After this time, remove the aluminum foil and let it bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the skin becomes golden and crispy. Don't forget to baste the chicken with the pan juices during this process for a delicious golden crust.

8. Serving: Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain its juiciness. Serve it alongside your favorite side dish – perhaps creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh vegetable salad, or grilled vegetables.

Helpful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables to the tray, such as carrots or zucchini, to create a complete meal.
- If you want to add more flavor, you can use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to garnish the chicken before serving.
- This spiced lemon chicken is just as delicious cold, so feel free to serve it the next day as well.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, low in fat, especially if you choose skinless chicken. Lemon not only adds flavor but also vitamin C, essential for the immune system. Onions and garlic are known for their antioxidant properties and can help maintain heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe can easily be adapted to include turkey or even fish, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- What wine should I choose? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, will perfectly complement the flavors.
- Can I prepare this chicken in advance? Yes, you can marinate it a day ahead, which will intensify the flavors.

This spiced lemon roasted chicken is not just an easy recipe to prepare but also an opportunity to enjoy wonderful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!