Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken is a delicious and easy dish to prepare for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with fragrant herbs and a touch of citrus for a zesty flavor.
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Check out my Creamy Citrus Salad Dressing and my Sparkling Citrus Punch with Cinnamon for more citrus flavored recipes!
Herb and citrus oven roasted chicken is a popular dish that brings together the flavors of fresh herbs and citrus to create a delicious and aromatic meal. This dish is easy to make and can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.
The chicken is seasoned with a blend of herbs and then topped with slices lemons and oranges. The chicken is then roasted in the oven until cooked through, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The combination of herbs and citrus adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken, making it a great dish for entertaining or for a family dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare. This dish requires minimal preparation time and effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you have guests over.
- Aromatic and flavorful. The combination of herbs and citrus creates a delicious aroma while adding a burst of flavor to the chicken.
- Customizable. You can use different herbs and citrus to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
- Suitable for all occasions. This dish is suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.
- Healthy and satisfying. Chicken is a lean protein source, and roasting it with herbs and citrus adds flavor without adding a lot of extra calories.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Drumsticks: The main protein in the dish. Chicken drumsticks are often used in this recipe because they are economical and have a good flavor.
- Salt: Used to season the chicken and enhance the flavors.
- Ground Pepper: Used to season the chicken and add a slight spiciness.
- Olive Oil: Used to moisten and flavor the chicken before roasting.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor to the dish and complements the citrus and herbs.
- Sugar: Used to balance the flavors and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and marjoram, used to add additional flavor to the dish.
- Paprika: Adds a mild heat and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mild and sweet onion flavor to the dish.
- Dried Thyme & Dried Rosemary: Adds a robust, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and marjoram, used to add additional flavor to the dish.
- Paprika: Adds a mild heat and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mild and sweet onion flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor to the dish and complements the other ingredients.
- Dried Thyme & Dried Rosemary: Adds a robust, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor to the dish and complements the other ingredients.
- Lemons & Oranges: Adds fresh and tangy citrus flavor to the dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
Step 2: Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, sugar and herbs.
Step 4: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and brush the herb and oil mixture all over the chicken drumsticks.
Step 5: Arrange the onion, lemon and orange slices around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Step 6: Roast the chicken in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Use fresh herbs. If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter and more intense flavor.
- Marinate the chicken. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, citrus, and spices for a couple of hours.
- Experiment with different herbs. You can use different herbs or a combination of herbs to suit your taste preferences. Try adding basil, oregano, or marjoram to the mix.
- Baste the chicken. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Serve with a side dish. Serve the herb and citrus oven roasted chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations
- Different cuts of chicken: Instead of using chicken drumsticks, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken.
- Different citrus: Try using different citrus fruits such as grapefruits, tangerines, or mandarins for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy: Add a touch of heat by including chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy paprika in the seasoning mix.
- Sweet: Add a touch of sweetness by including honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup in the herb and oil mixture.
- Low-carb: To make a low-carb version, omit the sugar and serve with a side of roasted vegetables instead of rice or potatoes.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before freezing. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs instead of drumsticks. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Use 2-3 times the amount of fresh herbs as the recipe calls for dried.
Yes, you can use a different type of oil such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Place all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
More Chicken Recipes You'll Love
Herb and Citrus Oven Roasted Chicken
Special Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 pieces chicken drumsticks
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 lemons thinly sliced
- 2 oranges thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, sugar and herbs.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and brush the herb and oil mixture all over the chicken drumsticks.
- Arrange the onion, lemon and orange slices around the chicken in the roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter and more intense flavor.
- Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, citrus, and spices for a couple of hours.
- You can use different herbs or a combination of herbs to suit your taste preferences. Try adding basil, oregano, or marjoram to the mix.
- Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Storing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before freezing. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Morgan
This roasted chicken looks so delicious! I love the addition of citrus!
Jennifer
What a great way to use drumsticks! Yum!!