Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350.

Step 2

On a work surface, mince the garlic with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.

Step 3

Transfer the garlic to a small bowl and whisk in the lemon juice, rosemary, sweet paprika, cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, whisk in the olive oil.

Step 4

Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin from the chicken breasts, thighs and drumsticks; try not to tear the skin.

Step 5

Season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper and put the chicken in a roasting pan.

Step 6

Using a small spoon, pour all but 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mixture under the skin of the chicken, rubbing it into the breasts, thighs and drumsticks.

Step 7

Rub the butter under the skin of the breast meat.

Step 8

Rub the remaining 1 tablespoon of the seasoned oil all over the chicken and season it with salt.

Step 9

Put the reserved lemon halves in the cavity of the chicken and tie the legs together with twine.

Step 10

Roast the chicken for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices from the cavity run clear and the chicken is browned and crisp.

Step 11

Let the chicken rest in the roasting pan for 15 minutes.

Step 12

Tilt the chicken to drain the juices from the cavity into the pan; transfer the chicken to a carving board.

Step 13

Pour the pan juices into a bowl and skin the fat from the surface.

Step 14

Strain the juice into a small saucepan and keep warm over low heat.

Step 15

Carve the chicken and serve with the pan juices.