1 (4-1/2-lb.) roasting chicken
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt
1 medium lemon, washed
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. 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 toward the legs, being careful to not tear the skin.
CUT the lemon in half; squeeze both halves into small bowl. Add dressing; beat with wire wire whisk until well blended. Drizzle evenly over chicken. Place the squeezed lemon halves inside the chicken cavity. Insert an ovenproof meat thermometer into thickest part of 1 of the chicken’s thighs.
BAKE 1 hour 30 min. or until chicken is no longer pink in center (180°F), basting occasionally with the pan juices.