Mother’s Day is a special day to remember how much our moms have loved, cared for, and sacrificed for us. It’s a day to show them love and give them a break from their everyday tasks. What better way to show our appreciation than by making them a hearty and healthy meal? In this blog post, we’ll talk about the health benefits of a delicious recipe for Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken, which is great for a Mother’s Day party.
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 3-4 lbs, giblets removed
- 3 lemons
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken on the prepared roasting pan.
- Zest and juice two of the lemons. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Rub the lemon herb mixture all over the chicken, both on the skin and under it. Be sure to cover the entire chicken, including the cavity.
- Slice the remaining lemon and stuff the lemon slices inside the chicken cavity, along with any leftover herbs.
- Truss the chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wingtips under the body.
- Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with your mother’s favorite side dishes and enjoy your Mother’s Day feast!
Health Benefits
Not only is Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken tasty, but it also has a lot of health benefits. This makes it a great meal for your mother on this special day. Here are some of the best ways this dish is good for your health.
- High-quality protein: Chicken is a great source of high-quality protein that helps build and rebuild muscles and keeps the immune system healthy.
- Vitamins and minerals: Chicken has important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, niacin, and selenium, which are needed for making energy, making DNA, and keeping the defense system working well.
- Fats that are good for your heart: The herbs and olive oil in this recipe have monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart. These fats help lower bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Antioxidants: The lemon juice in this dish has a lot of Vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant that helps get rid of free radicals, boosts the immune system, and helps the body make collagen for healthy skin.
On Mother’s Day, show your mom how much you love and appreciate her by cooking her a delicious and healthy meal. The Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken dish we gave her is not only delicious but also good for her health, which will make her feel extra special. So, roll up your sleeves, put on an apron, and make this delicious dish to surprise your mom.
Have a good Mother’s Day! Enjoy!
