Ingredients

1/4 cup salted butter , softened
1/4 cup packed lemon balm leaves
1 pinch black pepper
1 pinch kosher salt
4 lbs organic fresh roasting chickens
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1/2 tablespoon kosher salt
1 organic lemon , quartered
1 sprig fresh thyme ( use lemon thyme if you have it )
Double-Lemon Roast Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory chicken, tangy lemon, and fragrant herbs creates a flavor profile that is both complex and balanced. This recipe takes the classic roast chicken to the next level with a twist – a layer of lemon herb butter under the skin. This buttery layer has an aromatic kick from the lemon balm leaves that infuses the chicken with a bright citrus flavor. The end result is a savory and aromatic masterpiece that will have your dinner guests oohing and aahing over every bite.

Instructions

1.Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2.In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, lemon balm leaves, black pepper, and kosher salt.
3.Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and discard them.
4.Pat the chicken dry, inside and out, with paper towels.
5.Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, ensuring that it is well-coated.
6.Sprinkle the paprika and kosher salt over the chicken.
7.Stuff the chicken cavity with the quartered lemon and thyme sprig.
8.Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine.
9.Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
10.Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
11.Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
12.Enjoy!

PROS

The lemon balm and fresh lemon lend a bright, citrusy flavor to the chicken that perfectly balances out its rich, savory nature.
This makes it an ideal dish for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a formal gathering with friends.

The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, and the end result is sure to impress your guests.

CONS

It can be difficult to find fresh lemon balm in some areas, so you may need to substitute with dried lemon balm or another herb if it is not available.

Double-Lemon Roast Chicken is a time-consuming dish to prepare, as it requires over an hour of cooking time in the oven.
You’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to serve it for dinner.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While chicken is a lean protein source that provides a range of health benefits, the addition of fresh lemon and lemon balm to this recipe makes it even more nutritious. Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based sources. Lemon balm has traditionally been used to alleviate anxiety and promote calm, making this dish a great option for a stress-free Sunday dinner.

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