How to Make Spanish Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken

• 1- Ingredients for Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas
• 2- Preparing the Chicken
• 3- Cooking Technique for Roasted Chicken
• 4- Serving and Tips for Pollo al Horno
• 5- Why This Dish is a Favorite

1. Ingredients for Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas

Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas, or Spanish Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, is a flavorful and simple dish that’s loved by many for its aromatic, savory taste. The ingredients are easy to find and combine in such a way that they create a perfectly balanced dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Whole chicken: A whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) is ideal for this dish, but you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks for smaller portions.
• Lemons: Fresh lemons are essential for their zest and juice, which will infuse the chicken with a refreshing citrus flavor.
• Fresh herbs: A mixture of rosemary, thyme, and parsley adds aromatic depth to the dish. These herbs are classic in Spanish cooking.
• Garlic: Garlic cloves bring a pungent, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrus and herbs.
• Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil is used for both marinating the chicken and roasting it, giving it a rich and golden finish.
• Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.

2. Preparing the Chicken

The first step in making Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas is to properly prepare your chicken. If you're using a whole chicken, make sure to clean and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during roasting.

Next, cut a couple of lemons in half. Squeeze the juice over the chicken, ensuring that it is evenly coated. After that, take the lemon halves and place them inside the chicken cavity. This will help infuse the chicken with even more citrus flavor as it cooks. The combination of lemon juice and lemon zest from the same fruit gives a wonderful freshness to the dish.

Now, finely chop the fresh herbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Massage this herb mixture generously all over the chicken, under the skin, and inside the cavity. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help the seasoning stick and give the skin that beautiful golden color as it roasts.

For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have the time. This allows the lemon and herb flavors to penetrate the meat and makes the chicken more flavorful.

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3. Cooking Technique for Roasted Chicken

Once the chicken is properly marinated, it’s time to roast it. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken in a roasting pan. For even cooking, it’s important to place the chicken breast-side up, ensuring the skin crisps up nicely while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Roast the chicken for about 1.5 hours, depending on its size. As a rule of thumb, the general cooking time is around 20 minutes per pound of chicken. To check if the chicken is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C).

Throughout the roasting process, occasionally baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. If you like a crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, ensuring a golden-brown finish.

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4. Serving and Tips for Pollo al Horno

Once your Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains tender and juicy when sliced.

For serving, carve the chicken into pieces and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. You can serve this delicious roasted chicken with a variety of side dishes. Classic Spanish sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a simple salad with olive oil and vinegar pair wonderfully with the vibrant flavors of the chicken.

If you’re looking to elevate the meal even further, consider pairing it with a light white wine, such as Albariño or Verdejo, both of which complement the citrus and herbal notes of the dish.

5. Why This Dish is a Favorite

Pollo al Horno con Limón y Hierbas is a favorite among many because of its simplicity, versatility, and incredible depth of flavor. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine, where fresh ingredients are key, and the flavors shine through with minimal effort.

The combination of lemon and herbs is universally loved, as it provides a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or guests, this dish never fails to impress with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

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