Look no further if you have this Herb and Citrus Chicken Recipe. This is a delicious, simple, and festive dish to serve at your next gathering. It combines the savory richness of bone-in chicken with the bright, refreshing zest of lemons and oranges, with mouthwatering contrast of flavors that will make memorable hours with your loved ones. Now if you are preparing for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a cozy weeknight meal, this chicken brings both elegance and ease to the table.
The tradition of roasting chicken has been around for centuries, with different cultures using a variety of herbs, spices, and citrus fruits to enhance its flavor. Especially speaking for citrus fruit, addition of citrus fruits like lemons and oranges serves to balance the richness of the chicken, while herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram bring an aromatic freshness that makes each bite a delight. This recipe is inspired by Mediterranean cooking techniques where citrus and herbs often play a starring role in roasting meats, providing the perfect combination of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet notes.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With aromatic ingredients and overall preparation time, you can create a dish that feels gourmet and festive. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it roasts, with the skin turning golden and crispy, while the citrus slices caramelize in its juices and spices, adding even more flavor to the dish. So, this recipe is a great way to showcase seasonal preparation and create a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant and inviting.
Let’s dive in and discover how easy it is to make this Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 10-12 pieces of bone-in chicken cuts (drumsticks/thighs)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Mediterranean seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 whole oranges
- 2 whole lemons
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium sized onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- Fresh green herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme or basil)
Directions
1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken
Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. As the oven heats up, pat the chicken cuts and dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin become crispy during roasting. Arrange the chicken pieces in a 13×9-inch baking dish, placing them skin-side up for the best texture while baking.
2: Make the Marinade
Now in a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, honey (or maple syrup), Mediterranean seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, crushed chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the fresh lemon juice and orange juice (1 whole, both), and mix well to combine. This citrus herb marinade is that will infuse the chicken with layers of delicious flavor while it roasts.
3: Coat the Chicken
Now, pour the citrus marinade evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If you have the time, you can let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge to deepen the flavors, but it is not necessary if you’re in a hurry. Be sure to pour some of the marinade around and under the chicken as well. Arrange also the orange slices, lemon slices, and onion slices around the chicken in the baking dish to ensure they cook evenly and infuse their flavors into the chicken.
4: Season with Fresh Herbs
In this step, you have to sprinkle the chicken with oregano, marjoram, and extra salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bit more paprika or chili flakes at this stage if you prefer a stronger flavor. The fresh herbs will bring out a lovely fragrance as the chicken roasts, making your kitchen smell incredible.
5: Roast the Chicken
Its time to place the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour. Check the chicken at the 45-minute mark, basting it with the pan juices to keep it moist. If you want extra crispy skin, feel free to increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) for the final 10 minutes of cooking. Remember! The chicken is done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices should run clear when pierced. So keep checking through the process.
6: Serve & Garnish
In the final step, once your chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, sage, or basil. Served the roasted lemon slices, orange slices, and onion slices alongside the chicken for added flavor for it also adds to platter presentation and taste.a beautiful presentation.
This Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and memorable meal. The citrus and herbs work in harmony to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch. One of the things that makes this dish so great is its versatility. You can adjust the herbs and citrus to suit your taste. Add some rosemary or sage for a more earthy flavor, or swap out the oranges for grapefruit if you’re feeling adventurous. Pair this roasted chicken with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a green salad, spicy jollof rice or some buttery mashed potatoes, and you have yourself a complete, satisfying meal.
FAQS
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the citrus and herb mixture for up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to the baking dish. Simply cut them into even pieces and arrange them around the chicken. Keep in mind that the vegetables will need to be roasted for about the same amount of time, so chop them small enough to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I use chicken with skinless thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, but you may not get as crispy a skin. The skin helps retain moisture, so without it, the meat could be a bit drier. You can still achieve great flavor by following the recipe, but you may want to baste the chicken with the pan juices during cooking to keep it moist.
Tips for the Best Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken
Baste for Extra Moisture
Every 15-20 minutes, spoon the pan juices over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. This is especially important if you are using bone-in cuts like thighs and drumsticks, as it will help to keep the meat tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting crispy skin. If needed, roast in two batches or use a larger pan.
Serve with the Pan Juices
The citrus-infused pan juices are packed with flavor. Serve them over the chicken or with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Herb and Citrus Chicken Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Medium6
servings20
minutes1
hour480
kcalThis Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and memorable meal. The citrus and herbs work in harmony to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
10-12 pieces of bone-in chicken cuts (drumsticks/thighs)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Mediterranean seasoning
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons honey
2 whole oranges
2 whole lemons
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 medium sized onion sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried marjoram
Fresh green herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme or basil)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Chicken
Firstly, preheat your oven to 400°F. As the oven heats up, pat the chicken cuts dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin become crispy during roasting. Arrange the chicken pieces in a 13×9-inch baking dish, placing them skin-side up for the best texture. - Make the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, honey (or maple syrup), Mediterranean seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, crushed chili flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the fresh lemon juice and orange juice (1 whole, both), and mix well to combine. This citrus herb marinade is what will infuse the chicken with layers of delicious flavor while it roasts. - Coat the Chicken
Now, pour the citrus marinade evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If you have the time, you can let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge to deepen the flavors, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a hurry. Be sure to pour some of the marinade around and under the chicken as well. Arrange the orange slices, lemon slices, and onion slices around the chicken in the baking dish to ensure they cook evenly and infuse their flavors into the chicken. - Season with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle the chicken with oregano, marjoram, and extra salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bit more paprika or chili flakes at this stage if you prefer a stronger flavor. The fresh herbs will bring out a lovely fragrance as the chicken roasts, making your kitchen smell incredible. - Roast the Chicken
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour. Check the chicken at the 45-minute mark, basting it with the pan juices to keep it moist. If you want extra crispy skin, feel free to increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) for the final 10 minutes of cooking. - Serve & Garnish
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, sage, or basil. The roasted lemon slices, orange slices, and onion slices can also be served alongside the chicken for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- The chicken is done when the skin is golden and crispy, and the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices should run clear when pierced.
