Pollo al Horno al Limón: A Easy and Tasty Roasted Chicken with Lemon
The recipe Pollo al Horno al Limón (lemon roasted chicken) is ideal if you want a dinner that is simple to make and bursting with vibrant, fresh tastes. This traditional dish is adored for its delicious balance and simplicity. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, the chicken is infused with the tangy lemon and fragrant herbs. Pollo al Horno al Limón is perfect for special occasions or family dinners, and it doesn’t require a lot of work in the kitchen.
We’ll cover all you need to know about making this delectable dish in this article, including how to get the ideal roast and ideas for sides that go well with it.
Pollo al Horno al Limón: What is it?
In Pollo al Horno al Limón, a traditional Spanish roasted chicken meal, the chicken is marinated and seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs before being baked. Due to the liberal use of lemon juice and zest, as well as fragrant herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. As a result, each mouthful of the juicy, delicate chicken has a blast of lemony flavor and a crispy, golden exterior.
Here’s a recipe card for Pollo al Horno al Limón (Lemon Roasted Chicken):
| Recipe | Pollo al Horno al Limón (Lemon Roasted Chicken) |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes + optional marinating time |
| Servings | 4-6 |
Ingredients
| Component | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Whole chicken (3-4 lbs) or bone-in pieces | 1 whole |
| Marinade | Lemon juice | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon zest | Zest of 1 lemon | |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Fresh rosemary, chopped | 1 tsp | |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tsp | |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tbsp | |
| Salt | 1 1/2 tsp | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/2 tsp | |
| Additional | Lemon slices and garlic cloves | For roasting |
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare the Chicken | Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Rub salt, pepper, and paprika on the inside and outside of the chicken. |
| 2. Make the Marinade | In a small bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. |
| 3. Marinate the Chicken | Rub the marinade all over the chicken, getting under the skin as well. Place lemon slices and garlic cloves inside the cavity. |
| 4. Preheat Oven | Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). |
| 5. Arrange for Roasting | Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Arrange extra lemon slices and garlic cloves around the chicken for added flavor. |
| 6. Roast the Chicken | Roast in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes, basting halfway through, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). |
| 7. Rest and Serve | Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan juices and garnish with fresh lemon and parsley. |
Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful Pollo al Horno al Limón with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal!
Pollo al Horno al Limón Ingredients
This dish’s ingredients are straightforward and accessible. What you’ll need is as follows:
A 3–4 pound chicken is ideal, but if you would rather, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken parts.
- Lemons: For optimal flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Garlic: Whole garlic cloves give the meal a fantastic scent and richness.
- Olive Oil: Premium olive oil helps generate a golden, crispy skin and keeps the chicken moist.
Fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary are often used herbs. If necessary, you can use dried herbs in its place.
Seasonings: The tastes are enhanced by salt, black pepper, and a little paprika.
A Comprehensive Guide to Making Pollo al Horno al Limón
Step 1: Get the chicken ready
- Clean and Dry: Use paper towels to wipe the chicken dry after rinsing it under cold water. Eliminating surplus moisture facilitates the skin’s crispy roasting.
- Season Generous: Season the chicken on the interior and outside with salt, black pepper, and a little paprika. This first seasoning contributes to the chicken’s overall flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the marinade with lemon and herbs
- Get the Lemons Ready: Juice one lemon after zesting it. Cut another lemon into rounds.
- Combine the ingredients for the marinade: Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and freshly cut parsley, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl. For added taste, add minced garlic.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken with the lemon and herb mixture, rubbing it beneath the skin as well. Put several whole garlic cloves and lemon slices inside the chicken cavity for more intense lemon taste.
Step 3: Get Ready to Roast
- Prep Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Place Chicken in Baking Dish: Put the marinated chicken onto a baking dish or roasting pan. For added flavor, surround the chicken with more lemon slices, fresh herb sprigs, and garlic cloves.
Roast the Chicken in Step Four
- Roast in the Oven: Depending on the size of the chicken, roast it in the oven for one hour to one hour and twenty minutes. For added moisture and flavor, baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking.
- Verify Doneness: When the thickest section of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the chicken is done. The skin should be crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Take a Break and Serve
- Let it Rest Before carving, take the chicken out of the oven and give it ten minutes or so to rest. This keeps the meat tender by allowing the liquids to disperse.
- Serve with Pan Juices: To add even more flavor, ladle the pan juices over the chicken after slicing it. For a lovely presentation, garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices.
The Best Pollo al Horno al Limón Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: The earthy, pungent scent of fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary is enhanced. Because dried herbs are more concentrated, cut the quantity in half if using them.
- Baste for Juicy Chicken: The flesh remains tasty and juicy if the chicken is basted with its own fluids midway through roasting.
- Let the Chicken Rest After roasting, the chicken can rest to enable the juices to settle, which enhances its flavor and tenderness.
Accompanying Side Dishes with Pollo al Horno al Limón
The bright, lemony tastes of Pollo al Horno al Limón go well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted Potatoes: A great side dish is crispy potatoes roasted with garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
- Steamed Vegetables: A light steam of asparagus, green beans, or broccoli brings a nutritious and fresh addition to the dish.
Spanish Rice: A side of Spanish rice with peas and tomatoes brings a rich flavor and a hint of authenticity.
Mixed Green Salad: The richness of the chicken is counterbalanced with a simple salad consisting of lush greens, cucumber, and a mild vinaigrette.
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One name that sticks out when it comes to succulent, expertly seasoned grilled chicken is Pollos Asados El Regio. This well-known restaurant brand has won over the hearts and palates of those looking for tasty and reasonably priced meals with its authentic Mexican-style grilled chicken.
Concluding Remarks: The Reasons You Will Adore Pollo al Horno al Limón
A simple yet striking dish that brings Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen is Pollo al Horno al Limón. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs results in a fragrant and revitalizing roast chicken that is ideal for informal get-togethers, holiday feasts, and family dinners. This dish goes well with a wide range of sides and is not only delicious but also adaptable.
The next time you’re craving a tasty, easy roast chicken, try this recipe. A lovely dish that everyone will love is Pollo al Horno al Limón, which combines succulent, delicate meat with crispy skin and sharp, lemony flavors.
