Ingredients
- 1 whole (3 to 3-1/2 pounds) chicken
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (can use margarine)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (can use more lemon juice if desired)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt (use seasoned salt such as Lawry's, or use as much as desired)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (or more)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lemon, whole (poked full of holes using a fork)
How to Make
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Step 1: Rinse the chicken inside and out well under cold water then pat dry using paper towels.
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Step 2: In a small bowl mix the lemon juice with oil and melted butter until well blended, then rub all over the chicken.
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Step 3: Using clean hands rub the inside and outside of the chicken with seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne (you can season the chicken under the skin also if desired).
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Step 4: Place the whole lemon inside the cavity.
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Step 5: Place the chicken into a baking dish (you can place the chicken onto a small roasting rack if desired).
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Step 6: Using cotton string tie the legs together tightly.
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Step 7: At this point you may cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours (not more than that or the acid in the lemon juice will start to “cook” the chicken).
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Step 8: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (preheat for 10 minutes).
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Step 9: Roast the chicken at 450 degrees for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 400 degrees and continue roasting for about 40 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches about 175 to 180 degrees F.
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Step 10: Cover with foil and let sit for 12-15 minutes before slicing (do not slice before that time or the juices will flow out of the chicken).
We hope you enjoy this recipe!
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