Engagement Chicken

Ashbabe's Note:

A chicken with ultracrisp skin and a subtle lemon flavor. Rumor has it that if you cook this for your boyfriend he will propose.. here's to hoping. :o)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 3 lbs whole chickens
• 2 medium lemons
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• kosher salt or sea salt (to taste)
• ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions:

1. Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
2. Wash chicken inside and out with cold water, remove the giblets, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander until it reaches room temperature (about 15 min) Pat dry with paper towels.
3. Pour lemon juice all over the chicken (inside and outside) season with salt and pepper.
4. Prick the whole lemons three times with a fork and place deep inside the cavity.
5. (Tip: If lemons are hard, roll on the countertop with your palm to get juices flowing.) Place the chicken breast-side down on a rack in a roasting pan, lower heat to 350 and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!); return it to oven for 35 minutes more.
7. Test for doneness - a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh should read 180, or juices should run clear when chicken is pricked with a fork.
8. Continue baking if necessary.
9. Let chicken cool for a few minutes before carving.
10. Serve with juices.
11. Serve with boiled new potatoes tossed with olive oil and fresh chopped parsley and/or steamed asparagus with butter.
12. Enjoy.

Reviews

[Mye Mye]

This chicken recipe came out great, it's perfect!! Thanks for the tip on softening the lemons. Believe it or not my boyfriend proposed to me!!!!!!! The weekend after i made this chicken. Simple and Delicious!!!! Thanks Ashbabe!

[Vicki1402]

This is one of the Best chicken Recipes I have ever made, it turned out absolutely Perfect, crispy skin, nice lemon flavor. I served it with steamed asparagus and herb roasted potatoes. Thank you Ashbabe for a Really special recipe.. This has already become a favorite in my home. If I could I would have given you **********10 stars!

[Sonny NYC]

This recipe is delicious!! It was a total hit with my family, I have made this twice so far and each time it has come out with a savory lemon flavor, the chicken is extremely moist and flavorful and with a VERY CRISP SKIN - PERFECT!! I wouldnt change a thing. Thanks so much Ashbabe you have definately given us a new favorite chicken recipe.