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Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter

Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
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Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter is a classic, flavorful dish featuring juicy, tender chicken infused with a rich garlic and herb butter. This recipe delivers golden, crispy skin and deeply aromatic meat, perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Simple ingredients come together for an elegant yet comforting meal that impresses with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds), fresh and good quality

Garlic Herb Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Seasoning and Roasting

  • Salt and pepper, to season chicken externally
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, halved (for cavity)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients form a smooth, flavorful paste.
  2. Prep the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs by sliding your fingers underneath it carefully, creating a pocket without tearing the skin.
  3. Apply the Butter: Spread the garlic herb butter evenly underneath the loosened skin over the breast and thighs. Rub any remaining butter on the outside of the chicken, covering legs, wings, and skin thoroughly.
  4. Season and Add Lemon: Season the entire outside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the skin to help crisping. Place the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity to infuse moisture and aroma during roasting.
  5. Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This resting allows juices to redistribute, yielding tender, juicy meat.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken skin well to ensure crispy skin.
  • Bring chicken to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid over or undercooking.
  • Applying butter under the skin deeply infuses flavor and moisture.
  • Always rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for the last few minutes while watching closely.
  • The garlic herb butter can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: roast chicken, garlic herb butter, juicy chicken, crispy skin, easy chicken recipe, oven roasted chicken, herb roasted chicken

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/roast-chicken-with-garlic-herb-butter/