0 Picture
Ingredients
- 1 (4 1/2-lb) roasting chicken
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 medium lemon, washed
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup zesty italian dressing
Details
Servings 8
Preparation
Step 1
PREHEAT oven to 350. Rinse chicken; pat dry with paper towel. Use the tip of a sharp knife to separate the chicken skin from the meat in the chicken breast and tops of the legs. Sprinkle chicken both inside and out with the pepper and salt. Place in 13x9 inch baking dish.
GRATE the lemon; mix the peel with cream cheese and italian seasoning. Use a small spoon or your fingers to carefully stuff the cream cheese mixture under the chicken skin, pushing the cream cheese mixture carefully towards the legs, being careful not to tear the skin.
CUT the lemon in half; squeeze both halves into small bowl. Add dressing; beat with wire whisk until well blended. Drizzle evenly over chicken. Place the squeezed lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. Insert an ovenproof meat thermoneter into thickest part of 1 of the chicken's thighs.
BAKE 1 hour 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center (165) basting occasionally with the pan juices.
Review this recipe