The Scatty Mum

  • Recipes
  • Spring Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Spring Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Spring Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
×
Home » Dinner

Greek Whole Roast Chicken

Published: Sep 13, 2023 · Modified: Sep 20, 2024 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 2 Comments

  • Facebook
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Drawing of an egg with a line through it.
Drawing of a grain of wheat with a line through it.
Drawing of nuts with a line through it.
Roast chicken.
A roast chicken on a white plate garnished with rosemary and lemon.
Roast chicken on a white serving plate.

Prepare to indulge in the flavours of the Mediterranean with this Greek Whole Roast Chicken. This mouthwatering chicken is perfect for the whole family, marinated with garlic, tangy lemon, and fragrant rosemary.

Whether you're enjoying it with some rice and salad for a light summer meal or making it the star of a hearty roast dinner, it's sure to be a hit.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Scatty Mum.

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

Today, I’m transporting you to the Mediterranean! (wouldn’t that be lovely!).

I’m going to show you how to whip up the most delicious Greek Whole Roast Chicken with garlic, lemon and rosemary. 

There are endless ways to enjoy this chicken! Keep it light and fresh by pairing it with a refreshing orzo pasta salad with feta and cucumber or some grilled Mediterranean veggies.

For a twist on traditional roast chicken, serve alongside some slow cooker roast potatoes gluten-free Yorkshire puds and honey-roasted carrots & loads of gluten-free turkey gravy.

I'm a huge fan of Mediterranean cooking.  It's definitely my go-to when it comes to cuisine. What I love most about it is the emphasis on fresh, simple healthy ingredients that you can put together to create incredibly tasty dishes .

Some of my other Mediterranean favourites include gambas pil pil, air fryer chicken skewers, and juicy lamb kofta wraps.

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • 🥘 Ingredients You Will Need
  • 🥜 How Can I Make This Recipe Allergy Friendly?
  • 🤔 How Long Does It Take To Roast A Whole Chicken?
  • ✏️ How To Make Greek Roast Chicken
  • 💡 Tips & Tricks
  • 🍴 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.
  • ✔️ Leftovers: Use any leftover chicken in the kid’s school sandwiches or make this leftover chicken curry.

🥘 Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients you will need to make this Greek roasted chicken. To find out how to make it allergy-friendly, simply scroll down to the section below this one.

✋ 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 herb is a match made in heaven with roast chicken. You can use dried rosemary if that’s all you have, however, I would recommend using fresh rosemary if you can, as it gives a much fresher flavour. Use any leftover rosemary on these mini hasselback potatoes, which work really well with the chicken too.
  • 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 as they taste much nicer.
  • Butter: Depending on your taste preference you can use salted or unsalted butter. If you are cooking for small children I would recommend using un-salted butter.
  • Onion: This is stuffed inside the chicken cavity along with the lemon and some rosemary to help intensify the flavour of the chicken.
  • 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!

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

🥜 How Can I Make This Recipe Allergy Friendly?

This roasted chicken is pretty allergy-friendly as the recipe writes, as out of the top 14 allergens it only contains milk and this can be swapped really easily as I have detailed below. 

  • Make It Dairy-Free: Simply swap the butter for a dairy-free spread or use olive oil instead.

🤔 How Long Does It Take To Roast A Whole Chicken?

The time it takes to roast a whole chicken depends on several things, including the size of the chicken, the oven temperature, the make of your oven and whether or not it's stuffed. 

Use these as a general guideline for unstuffed chicken:

  • 2 to 3 lbs (0.9 to 1.4 kg): Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 to 1 ¼ hours.
  • 3 to 4 lbs (1.4 to 1.8 kg): Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours.
  • 4 to 5 lbs (1.8 to 2.3 kg): Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours.
  • 5 to 6 lbs (2.3 to 2.7 kg): Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 1 ¾ to 2 hours.
  • 6 to 7 lbs (2.7 to 3.2 kg): Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 2 to 2 ¼ hours.

When you stuff a chicken, the cavity is filled with ingredients that can slow down the cooking process because they act as insulation, and the heat needs to penetrate the stuffing to cook the chicken thoroughly.

As a result, a stuffed chicken will generally take longer to roast compared to an unstuffed chicken of the same weight. 

Here's a rough estimate of the additional roasting time for a stuffed chicken:

  • For a chicken weighing 3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kg), you can expect an additional 15 to 30 minutes of roasting time when it's stuffed.

It's important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; the temperature should read 165°F (75°C) when the chicken is fully cooked.

Keep in mind that these are approximate times, so it's always best to rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature rather than solely relying on cooking time.

✏️ 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˚C / 165˚F at it's thickest point.

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

  • ✔️ Soften The Butter: If the butter is firm, you may need to briefly soften it in the microwave before blending it with the other ingredients.
  • ✔️ Don’t Zest The Pith: While zesting the lemon it’s important to only remove the yellow skin, as the white pith has an unpleasant bitter taste.
  • ✔️ Marinate The Chicken: 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, it may take longer to cook than stated.
  • ✔️ Baste Regularly: Basting the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes while roasting helps it to stay moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
  • ✔️ Stuff For Extra Flavour: Stuffing the cavity with lemon, rosemary and onion will help intensify the flavours.
  • ✔️ Use A Meat Thermometer: The cooking time will depend on the size of the bird, so the best way to check this is with a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚C / 165˚F at the thickest part of the bird. I wouldn’t be without mine!
  • ✔️ Leave To Rest Before Serving: Cover the roasted chicken 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.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

For a real taste of the Mediterranean serve the roasted chicken with these air fryer garlic smashed potatoes or Parmentier 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, gluten free cauliflower cheese & 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.

How do I store leftovers?

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

Can I freeze the chicken once cooked?

Yes! To freeze the chicken, remove all the meat from the bone, allow it to fully cool then place the chicken strips in a freezer-safe container where they can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.

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

More Chicken Recipes

For more chicken inspiration, check out these other delicious 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/
    Crispy Shredded Chicken With Chilli
  • 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 Whole Roast Chicken

Get ready to savour the taste of the Mediterranean with this Greek Whole 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 Pin
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410kcal
Author: Lauren Woodger

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˚C / 165˚F.
    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

See the recipe post for more detailed guidance and instructions.
Tips & Tricks
  • Soften The Butter: If the butter is firm, you may need to briefly soften it in the microwave before blending it with the other ingredients.
  • Don’t Zest The Pith: While zesting the lemon it’s important to only remove the yellow skin, as the white pith has an unpleasant bitter taste.
  • Marinate The Chicken: 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, it may take longer to cook than stated.
  • Baste Regularly: Basting the chicken with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes while roasting helps it to stay moist and juicy throughout the cooking process.
  • Stuff For Extra Flavour: Stuffing the cavity with lemon, rosemary and onion will help intensify the flavours.
  • Use A Meat Thermometer: The cooking time will depend on the size of the bird, so the best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚C / 165˚F at the thickest part of the bird. I wouldn’t be without mine!
  • Leave To Rest Before Serving: Cover the roasted chicken 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: 410kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 257mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 409IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

More Allergy-Friendly Dinner Recipes

  • A plate of samosas with some mango chutney to the side.
    Air Fryer Samosas
  • Swwet and sour chicken garnished with sesame seeds.
    40+ Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
  • Macaroni cheese in a square dish with a serving spoon taking a portion out.
    The Best Three Cheese Mac And Cheese
  • Mac and cheese topped with breadcrumbs.
    Chorizo Mac And Cheese

About Lauren Woodger

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum. As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies and intolerances, I know how tough it can be to cook meals that are both safe and delicious.

That’s why I share easy, allergy-friendly recipes to help families enjoy stress-free mealtimes.

Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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

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

    Recipe Rating




  1. Barbara says

    October 22, 2024 at 1:40 am

    The temperature readings are reversed. It should be 165 Fahrenheit, not centigrade.
    Classic recipe- haven’t made it in years- can’t wait to try this rendition.

    Reply
    • Lauren Woodger says

      October 22, 2024 at 8:56 am

      Thanks so much for pointing this out, major typo! I have amended the recipe, hope you enjoy it 🙂

      Reply
Lady sitting on a kitchen side with a coffee cup in her hand.

Hey, I'm Lauren!

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum.

As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies, I know how challenging mealtimes can be when you’re trying to please everyone.

That’s why I share easy, family-friendly recipes and meal planning tips to help busy families enjoy tasty, stress-free dinners that work for all dietary needs.

MORE ABOUT ME

Spring Recipes

  • Squares of mini egg chocolate slices on a wooden board.
    No-Bake Mini Egg Slices
  • Carved ham (gammon) on a chopping board.
    50 Delicious Easter Dinner Ideas
  • A bowl of pesto orzo garnished with parmesan with a fork in the bowl.
    One Pan Chicken & Pesto Orzo 
  • Tzatziki in a blue bowl
    Dairy-Free Tzatziki Sauce
Mock up of an e-book on a tablet and iphone.

Popular Posts

  • a bowl of tuna pasta salad with a wooden spoon in it.
    34 Cold Summer Pasta  Salad Recipes
  • Sliced garlic mushrooms on toast sprinkled with parsley.
    Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
  • a bowl of tuna pasta salad with a wooden spoon in it.
    40+ Kids Lunchbox Ideas
  • Swwet and sour chicken garnished with sesame seeds.
    Air Fryer Sweet & Sour Chicken
  • Raspberry cheesecake topped with fresh raspberries.
    40+ Tasty Easter Dessert Recipes
  • Close up of cajun fries in a small metal bucket.
    30+ Delicious Fakeaway Dinner Recipes

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 2025 The Scatty Mum

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.