Say hello to my most reader-loved recipe! Try this easy, elegant roasted chicken with fresh lemons, oranges and herbs. It’s perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions!
We don’t go out to eat often. There’s nothing more I love than gaining a little cooking inspiration and having someone else whisk away the dishes. But, because my hubby (and sometimes, even I) thinks the food I make is just as good as the grub we get at restaurants, we tend to enjoy the majority of our meals at home. No complaints here – cooking is what makes my heart beat after all! But I could go for a break now and then.
This roasted chicken is simply not helping my case…
INGREDIENTS:
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 whole lemons, one juiced and one sliced
  • 2 whole oranges, one juiced and one sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 10-12 pieces (about 4 1/2 lbs.) bone-in chicken parts (thighs and legs are best), pat dry
  • 1 medium onion (any kind), thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or fresh chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, or fresh chopped
  • Chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS:
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, garlic, sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper.
  3. Place chicken in a rimmed 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Place parts skin side up and spread them out evenly in the pan. Pour olive oil mixture all over chicken, turning pieces to coat all sides. (If you marinated the chicken in this mixture, still add it all in). Arrange slices of lemon, orange and onion around and under the chicken. Sprinkle all over generously with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
  4. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked and juices run clear. Remove parts to a serving platter and garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
  5. Enjoy!