• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Scatty Mum

  • Recipes
  • Fall / Autumn Recipes
  • Food Allergies
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Fall / Autumn Recipes
  • Food Allergies
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Follow Me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Fall / Autumn Recipes
    • Food Allergies
    • About
    • Subscribe
  • Follow Me!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dairy-Free

    Greek Style Roast Chicken With Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary

    Published: Sep 13, 2023 by Lauren Woodger · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links - This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Roast chicken.
    A roast chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and lemon.
    Roast chicken on a white serving plate.

    Get ready to savour the taste of the Mediterranean with this Greek Style Roast Chicken With Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary. This juicy chicken is packed with garlic, zesty lemon, and aromatic rosemary, all roasted to perfection!

    A roast chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and lemon.

    Imagine your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic, the zesty kick of lemon, and the earthy notes of rosemary. That's the magic of Greek Roast Chicken! 

    Today, I’m taking you on a tasty trip to the Mediterranean, where I'll show you how to whip up the most delicious Greek Style Roast Chicken With Lemon, Garlic and Rosemary. It's a flavour explosion that'll transport your taste buds straight to Greece, and I’m looking forward to sharing this recipe with you.

    I'm a big fan of Mediterranean cooking. It's all about using fresh, healthy ingredients to create incredibly tasty dishes. Some of my other Mediterranean favourites include orzo pasta salad with feta and cucumber, air fryer chicken skewers, and juicy lamb kofta wraps.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • ✏️ How To Make Greek Roast Chicken
    • 💡 Tips & Tricks
    • 🥡 How To Store
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 💬 Recipe FAQs
    • More Chicken Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Made With Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here! Just staple items you will find in your fridge or cupboard.
    • Can Be Made In Advance: Leave the chicken to marinate in the herby marinade overnight in the fridge for maximum flavour.
    • Allergy Friendly: This Greek chicken is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter.
    • Can Be Used On Different Cuts Of Chicken: Whilst delicious on a whole roast chicken, you can use the marinade on chicken thighs, drumsticks, breasts or legs for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.

    🥘 Ingredients

    ✋ Be sure to double check all packaging for allergens. ✋

    Ingredients laid out for roast chicken with garlic, lemon and rosemary.
    • Chicken: Buy the best quality chicken that you can afford. Don’t forget to keep the chicken carcass to make your own chicken stock. Recipe coming for this real soon!
    • Fresh Rosemary: This woody, earthy herb is a match made in heaven with roast chicken. You can use dried rosemary if that’s all you have, however, I would really recommend using fresh rosemary if you can, as it gives a much fresher flavour.
    • Lemon: We use both the zest and the juice of the lemon in this recipe. As we will be using the skin of the lemon I would advise buying unwaxed lemons.
    • Butter: Depending on your taste preference you can use salted or unsalted butter. To make the recipe dairy-free, simply swap for a dairy-free butter or spread.
    • Garlic: The bigger the garlic cloves the better! Garlic is full of health benefits and is really good for you, so don't be stingy!
    • Onion: This is stuffed inside the chicken cavity along with the lemon and some rosemary to help intensify the flavour of the chicken.

    See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    ✏️ How To Make Greek Roast Chicken

    ⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

    Garlic butter being stirred in a black bowl.

    Step 1: Prep The Marinade

    Place the butter into a small bowl, Then, zest the lemon and either grate or mince the garlic. Afterwards, separate the leaves from the woody rosemary stems and dispose of the stems. Finely chop the rosemary leaves.

    Combine all the marinade components in the same bowl as the butter, adding a squeeze of lemon juice and stir them together using a spoon. (If the butter is firm, you may need to briefly soften it in the microwave before blending it with the other ingredients).

    Garlic butter being put under a chicken skin.

    Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

    Carefully lift the chicken skin away from the meat using your fingers. Start at the neck end and gently work your fingers under the skin, being careful not to tear it. You want to create a pocket between the skin and the meat.

    a raw chicken in a roasting tin basted with garlic butter.

    Step 3: Add The Butter Mixture

    Take small amounts of the butter mixture and slide it under the chicken skin. You can use your fingers or a spatula to help distribute the butter evenly. Spread it as far as you can without tearing the skin.

    Gently massage the outside of the chicken skin to spread the butter evenly over the meat. This will help ensure that the flavour and moisture are distributed throughout the chicken.

    Roast chicken in a roasting pan surrounded by juices.

    Step 4: Stuff The Cavity

    Place a whole peeled onion, a couple of sprigs of rosemary and two lemon halves inside the bird. This will help to really bring out the garlic, herb and lemon flavour.

    If you have time, leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for maximum flavour.

    Step 5: Roast In The Oven

    Put the prepared Greek chicken in a large roasting tin and cook in a hot oven for around 1 hr 20 minutes, basting the bird regularly. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚F / 165˚C. The best way to check this is with a meat thermometer, they are such a cheap and valuable addition to any kitchen!

    Roast chicken.

    💡 Tips & Tricks

    • You may need to briefly soften the butter in the microwave before blending it with the other ingredients).
    • When zesting the lemon, make sure you are only removing the yellow skin. You don’t the white pith as this has a very bitter taste.
    • If you have time, leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for maximum flavour. Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before placing in the oven, to allow the chicken to reach room temperature before cooking, otherwise the chicken may take longer to cook than stated.
    • If you are using a citrus zester for the lemon, you can also use this to grate the garlic to save time.
    • Stuffing the cavity with lemon, rosemary and onion will help intensify the flavours.
    • Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚F / 165˚C. The best way to check this is with a meat thermometer, I wouldn’t be without mine!
    • Don't forget to leave the chicken to rest before serving. Cover it in foil and rest for 15-20 minutes after you remove it from the oven. This helps the juices to redistribute back into the meat, making the meat tender and juicy.

    🥡 How To Store

    If you have any leftovers they will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken in the microwave for a few minutes until piping hot throughout.

    Any leftover chicken can also be made into this delicious leftover chicken curry.

    To freeze the chicken, allow it to fully cool then place it in a freezer safe container where it can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.

    When you are ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    For a real taste of the Mediterranean serve the roasted chicken with these air fryer garlic smashed potatoes & roasted carrots & green beans.

    This Greek chicken is also really tasty with some spicy rice and tzatziki.

    You can also serve it for a traditional roast dinner alongside some slow cooker roast potatoes, air fryer honey roasted carrots & pan-fried Brussels sprouts with bacon & garlic.

    💬 Recipe FAQs

    Is Greek roast chicken gluten-free?

    Greek roast chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients for the marinade and any accompanying side dishes.

    How Do You Keep Roast Chicken From Drying Out?

    Once you have finished cooking the chicken, remove it from the oven and cover it in foil, allowing it to rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute back into the bird, creating soft and juicy meat.

    More Chicken Recipes

    For more chicken inspiration, check out these other recipes:

    • Griddled chicken breast on a plate with a bowl of rice and salad.
      Nando's Butterfly Chicken
    • A spoonful of chicken curry being scooped out of a silver balti bowl containing chicken curry.
      Chicken & Aubergine Curry
    • a plate of crispy chicken pieces garnished with spring onion & chilli, with a knife and fork next to the plate and a pot of sweet chilli sauce/
      Chinese Crispy Shredded Chicken
    • A bowl of chicken and leek risotto with a spoon in the bowl.
      Creamy Chicken & Leek Risotto

    If you loved this recipe, please leave me a 5🌟 rating or comment below. I really do appreciate it. 😊

    📖 Recipe

    A roast chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and lemon.

    Greek Style Roast Chicken With Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary

    Lauren Woodger
    Get ready to savour the taste of the Mediterranean with this Greek Style Roast Chicken With Lemon, Garlic & Rosemary. This juicy chicken is packed with garlic, zesty lemon, and aromatic rosemary, all roasted to perfection!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins
    Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 410 kcal

    Equipment

    • Roasting tin
    • Citrus Zester or smallest setting on cheese grater
    • Lemon juicer
    • Sharp knife
    • Chopping board
    • Meat thermometer optional

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 kg ( 4.4 lb) whole chicken
    • 3 tablespoon butter use dairy free butter to make recipe dairy free
    • 3 cloves garlic minced/grated
    • 1 medium lemon zest and juice of, then remaining lemon for cavity
    • 5 sprigs fresh rosemary 3 for marinade, 2 for the cavity
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 medium onion peeled - for the cavity

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 180˚Fan / 200˚C / 390˚ F.
    • Place the butter into a small bowl, Then, zest the lemon and either grate or mince the garlic. Afterwards, separate the leaves of 3 of the rosemary sprigs from the woody stems and dispose of the stems. Finely chop the rosemary leaves. Combine all the marinade components in the same bowl as the butter, adding a squeeze of lemon juice and stir them together using a spoon.
    • Lift the chicken skin away from the meat using your fingers. Start at the neck end and gently work your fingers under the skin, being careful not to tear it. You want to create a pocket between the skin and the meat.
    • Take small amounts of the butter mixture & slide it under the chicken skin. Use your fingers or a spatula to help distribute the butter evenly.Gently massage the outside of the chicken skin to spread the butter evenly over the meat.
    • Place a whole peeled onion, two sprigs of rosemary and two lemon halves inside the cavity of the chicken.
    • If you have time, leave the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for maximum flavour.
    • Put the prepared chicken in a large roasting tin and cook in a hot oven for around 1 hr 20 minutes, basting the bird regularly.
    • The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚F / 165˚C.
      Remove the chicken from the oven and cover in foil, allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed back into the meat.

    Notes

    Tips & Tricks
    • If the butter is firm, you may need to briefly soften it in the microwave before blending it with the other ingredients).
    • When zesting the lemon, make sure you are only removing the yellow skin. You don’t the white pith as this has a very bitter taste.
    • If you have time, leave the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight for maximum flavour. Remove from the fridge 10 minutes before placing in the oven, to allow the chicken to reach room temperature before cooking, otherwise the chicken may take longer to cook than stated.
    • If you are using a citrus zester for the lemon, you can also use this to grate the garlic to save time.
    • Stuffing the cavity with lemon, rosemary and onion will help intensify the flavours.
    • Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚F / 165˚C. The best way to check this is with a meat thermometer, I wouldn’t be without mine!
    • Don't forget to leave the chicken to rest before serving. Cover it in foil and rest for 15-20 minutes after you remove it from the oven. This helps the juices to redistribute back into the meat, making the meat tender and juicy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 257mgPotassium: 363mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 409IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Dairy-Free Recipes

    • A white bowl containing honey and mustard coated cocktail sausages, with cocktail sticks poking out of them.
      Honey And Mustard Glazed Cocktail Sausages
    • Three stuffed peppers with faces carved into them on a white plate.
      Halloween Jack O'Lantern Stuffed Peppers
    • Someone taking some chicken curry out of a silver bowl with a fork.
      Leftover Chicken Curry
    • Homemade Nandos spicy rice in a brown bowl, with another bowl of rice in the background.
      Homemade Nando's Spicy Rice
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Let me know what you think of this recipe! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Lady standing in a kitchen with an apron on.

    The Scatty Mum was born as somewhere to share my experience as a Mum of a child with multiple food allergies and tasty easy allergy friendly recipes that are suitable for the whole family.

    Throw in some product reviews, general parenting rambling and you get the jist. And wine.. there is always time for wine! x

    More About Me →

    Autumn Recipes

    • Curry pie with a slice cut out of it.
      Vegetable Curry Pies
    • minced lamb and sweet potato hotpot in a casserole dish with a lid to the side.
      Easy Minced Lamb & Sweet Potato Hotpot
    • Slow Cooker Rolled Lamb Breast
    • gluten free swedish meatballs in a gravy in a black frying pan
      Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs (IKEA Copycat)
    • Two white bowls containing sweet potato, coconut & chilli soup. A spoonful is being taken out of one of the bowls.
      Sweet Potato Coconut And Chilli Soup
    • close up photo of sausage and baked bean casserole on a white plate with some broccoli.
      Slow Cooker Sausage & Bean Casserole

    Popular Posts

    • a Plate of creamy prawn pasta.
      Creamy Prawn And Chorizo Pasta
    • Two sea bass fillets on a white plate.
      Air Fryer Sea Bass
    • crushed potatoes on a white plate garnished with parsley.
      Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
    • Carrots chopped into batons on a chopping board.
      How To Cut Carrot Sticks
    • Cooked carrot sticks sprinkled with black pepper.
      Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots
    • Bowl of pork belly fried rice garnished with red chilli and spring onion.
      Pork Belly Fried Rice

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy/Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright 2023 The Scatty Mum