Shelly's Recipe

LEMON BASIL ROASTED CHICKEN

Category: Chicken

1 medium lemon
2 cloves garlic, divided
1/4 cup minced fresh basil, divided
1 (3-4 lb) chicken
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper, to taste

Grate 3 tsp peel from lemon. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice from one half. Set aside. Slice 1 garlic clove and place garlic, 2 tbsp basil and remaining lemon half in the chicken cavity.

Place chicken, breast side up, in a roasting pan and tie legs and wings. Rub lemon juice over chicken. Mince remaining garlic, combine butter and reserved lemon peel. Brush mixture over chicken and under skin, if desired. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and remaining basil. Bake, uncovered at 374 for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, occasionally basting chicken with drippings.. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.