LEMON BASIL CHICKEN

 

1 medium  —  lemon

2 garlic cloves, divided

1/4 cup  —  fresh basil, minced and divided

1 broiler/fryer (Free Range) chicken (3 to 4 pounds)

2 Tbsp  —  butter, melted 

1/2 tsp  —  sea salt

1/4 tsp  —  pepper

 

Finely grate the peel form lemon to measure 2 tsp.  Cut lemon in

half; squeeze juice from one half.  Set aside.  Slice one garlic clove;

place garlic, 2 Tbsp. basil and the remaining lemon half in the chicken cavity.

 

Place chicken, breast side up, in a shallow roasting pan; rub with reserved lemon juice.  Mince remaining garlic; combine with butter and reserved lemon peel.  Brush mixture over chicken.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and remaining basil.

 

Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees.  Let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

 

Serves 6.

 

LEMON BASIL CHICKEN RECIPE