Keto Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables: A Delicious and Easy Dinner
Why This Roasted Chicken is Ideal for Keto
This recipe offers several advantages for those following a ketogenic diet:
- High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
- Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in the recipe provides healthy fats, crucial for staying in ketosis.
- Low in Carbs: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially if you choose low-carb vegetables.
- Easy Cleanup: Being a one-pan meal, cleanup is a breeze!
- Delicious and Flavourful: The lemon and herb combination creates a bright and delicious flavour profile.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled, lightly crushed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1kg mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, courgette), chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
- Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, rosemary, thyme, and garlic cloves.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chopped vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 75°C.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Roast Chicken
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry helps the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavour for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure there’s enough space between the chicken and the vegetables to allow for even cooking.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest Before Carving: Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful bird.
Nutritional Information (Approximate):
- Yield: 6 servings
- Serving Size: 1 serving