Elevate your weeknight dinners with this "High Protein Perfectly Roasted Chicken," a flavorful and nutritious meal that's both simple and satisfying. This recipe features a whole chicken rubbed with a fragrant blend of olive oil, garlic, paprika, thyme, and a hint of fresh lemon for a zesty, aromatic finish. Roasted to golden perfection, the meat is juicy, tender, and packed with protein to fuel your day. A bonus touch of fresh rosemary and crushed garlic cloves nestled in the cavity infuses every bite with rustic earthy flavors. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a foolproof roasting method, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results from the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or Sunday feasts, this roasted chicken shines when paired with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or your favorite wholesome sides. Keywords: high-protein recipe, roasted chicken, perfectly roasted chicken, easy dinner idea, healthy chicken recipe.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Remove the chicken giblets, if any, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme to form a paste.
Rub the seasoning paste all over the chicken, ensuring the entire surface is covered, including the cavity.
Cut the lemon in half and place both halves inside the chicken cavity along with the fresh rosemary sprigs.
Peel the garlic cloves and gently crush them with the flat side of a knife before placing them inside the chicken cavity.
Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking and a neat presentation.
Place the seasoned chicken breast side up on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.
Put the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
Check the chicken halfway through roasting; if the skin is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Carve the chicken and serve with your choice of sides.
Calories |
634 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.7 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.8 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 2481 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 28.4 g | 57% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 554 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.