Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp up during roasting. Place it breast side up on a roasting rack in a baking pan or cast iron skillet.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a simple rub. Zest the lemon and add the zest to the mixture. Rub this seasoning blend all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
3. Add the Lemon:
Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze the juice over the chicken, then place the lemon halves inside the cavity. This will infuse the chicken with a bright citrus aroma as it roasts.
4. Roast the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on size, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with its own pan juices halfway through for extra flavor and moisture.
