Already Married Chicken (Modified Engagement Chicken)

1. 1

   Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 425 degrees.

2. 2

   Wash chicken inside and out with cold water, remove the giblets, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander until it reaches room temperature (about 15 min) Pat dry with paper towels.

3. 3

   Poke a few holes in each lemon and microwave for 40 seconds (makes the lemons more juicy).

4. 4

   Squeeze fresh lemon juice from 2 of the lemons all over the chicken.

5. 5

   Prick a few more holes in the full lemons.

6. 6

   Place these and two of the halves of the squeezed lemons inside the chicken.

7. 7

   Place them deep inside the cavity of the chicken.

8. 8

   (Optional) Rub butter on the bottom (not the breast side) of the chicken.

9. 9

   Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken, inside and out, and under any parts of the skin which are only loosely attached.

10. 10

    Place the chicken BREAST-SIDE down on a rack in a roasting pan, bake for 15 minutes.

11. 11

    Remove from oven and turn it breast-side up (use wooden spoons!

12. 12

    ); return it to oven for 35 minutes more.

13. 13

    (Time based on chicken size, internal temp should be ~180, juices should run clear).

14. 14

    Continue baking if necessary.

15. 15

    Let chicken cool for a 15 minutes before carving.

16. 16

    Serve with juices.

17. 17

    Enjoy!

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.