Rosemary Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken
(Approximately 10 minutes prep and 2-2.5 hours baking)
I received a coupon from Earth Fare that boasted whole birds for $1 per pound. I couldn't resist, so I purchased my two bird limit and immediately froze one, keeping the second out to prepare for dinner. After a few successful chicken dinners under my belt, I thought I would share the recipe that I've put together. The husband loves it and he isn't one to boast of favorites. This one is on the list.
3 TBS coconut oil (could sub with olive oil)
4-5 Fresh rosemary sprigs (or 1 TBS dried rosemary)
1 Medium Sweet Onion
2 tsp Olive Oil
2 Lemons
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
1. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and drizzle with about 1 tsp olive oil.
2. Coarsely chop onions. Also, cut lemons in half and set all aside.
2. Wash whole chicken, removing the neck and giblets. Dry with a paper towel and place breast up in the baking dish.
4. Use your fingers to separate the skin from the breast by gently pushing them between. Smear coconut oil all over the skin and shove it in between the skin and meat.
4. Sprinkle bird GENEROUSLY with Lemon Pepper Seasoning. I also use a spoon to "toss" the seasoning into the cavity and between the skin and meat (the pocket you made with your fingers).
5. Squeeze lemon juice all over bird and throw the spent lemons along with half the onion into the cavity.
7. Tie legs together with a string. Anything works, really. I usually use sewing thread. Then, tuck the wings under the bird, so they don't stick out.
6. Place remaining onions around bird in bottom of dish and arrange rosemary on top of the onions. If you are using dried rosemary, just sprinkle it on the bird or onions.
8. Sprinkle the remainder of the olive oil over entire bird and cover with foil.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 1.5 hours. Remove foil and bake another 30-45 minutes. I usually spoon the juices over the chicken, just before serving. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees.
Mmmmmmmm...
I am currently dairy free, due to my infant son's allergy to all things dairy. So, it can be difficult to find recipes that don't require the use of butter, milk, cheese, etc... I also make mashed potatoes, subbing coconut milk for cow's milk. It makes for a very delicious side.
This is an easy meal that you can prepare ahead of time and just pop it in the oven a couple hours before dinner. I usually do prep during nap time. I hope you enjoy.
