Lemon Herb Pot Roast Chicken is a comforting, aromatic dish that fills my kitchen with cozy, fresh flavors. Slow-roasted with garlic, lemon, and a mix of herbs, the chicken turns out juicy, tender, and infused with zesty, herby goodness. It’s the kind of meal I love to make when I want something hearty, simple, and perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe delivers a full, flavorful roast chicken without any complicated prep. The lemon brightens the dish, while herbs like rosemary and thyme give it a savory, rustic feel. Everything roasts together in one pot—chicken, veggies, broth, and all—so clean-up is easy and the flavor is rich. Whether I serve it for Sunday dinner or prep it for the week, it’s always a winner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs) or bone-in chicken pieces
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Lemons (sliced or halved)
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Garlic cloves (smashed or whole)
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Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano)
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Olive oil
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Salt and black pepper
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Onion (quartered)
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Carrots and potatoes (optional, for roasting alongside)
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Chicken broth or water
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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I pat the chicken dry and season it all over (and inside, if using whole chicken) with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
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I stuff the cavity (or layer the pan, if using parts) with lemon slices, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.
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In a large Dutch oven or roasting pan, I add a few more lemon slices, garlic cloves, and optional veggies like carrots and potatoes around the chicken.
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I pour in a splash of chicken broth (about ½ cup) to keep everything moist during roasting.
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I cover the pot with a lid or foil and roast for 45 minutes, then uncover and roast another 30–45 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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I let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the chicken.
Variations
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I swap in bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a quicker version.
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I add fennel or sweet potatoes to the veggie mix for different flavors.
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For extra lemon flavor, I squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
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I sometimes finish the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for extra crispy skin.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. The meat also works great shredded into soups, wraps, or salads.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but it cooks faster. I check for doneness around the 35–45 minute mark, especially if using breasts or thighs.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, the lemon and herbs infuse plenty of flavor while roasting. But if I have time, marinating for a few hours adds even more depth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I roast the chicken and store it whole or sliced. I reheat it gently in the oven when ready to serve.
What herbs work best?
I usually go with rosemary, thyme, and parsley, but sage and oregano also work well. I use what I have on hand.
Do I need a Dutch oven?
No, any roasting pan or deep baking dish will work. I just cover it tightly with foil if there’s no lid.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Pot Roast Chicken is one of my favorite dishes for when I want something flavorful, nourishing, and easy to throw together. The juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and bright lemon come together perfectly in one comforting pot. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests—just the way I like it.
Print
Lemon Herb Pot Roast Chicken
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Herb Pot Roast Chicken is a cozy, one-pot meal featuring juicy roast chicken infused with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or bone-in chicken pieces
- 2 lemons (sliced or halved)
- 6–8 garlic cloves (smashed)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or oregano)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 2 carrots and 2 potatoes (optional, chopped)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken dry and season inside and out with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Stuff the cavity (or layer the baking dish) with lemon slices, garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Place chicken in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Add extra lemon, garlic, and optional veggies around the chicken.
- Pour broth into the pan to keep the chicken moist while roasting.
- Cover with lid or foil and roast for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and continue roasting for 30–45 more minutes, until the skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Swap in chicken thighs or drumsticks for quicker cooking.
- Finish under the broiler for crispier skin if desired.
- Serve with pan juices or squeeze fresh lemon over the top for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
