Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
Roast Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter is a simple, flavorful dish featuring a whole chicken roasted to juicy perfection. Infused with a rich blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and buttery goodness, this classic recipe offers tender meat and crispy skin, making it an ideal centerpiece for family meals or special gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and guarantees a satisfying, memorable dining experience.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- Whole Chicken (3 to 4 pounds): Choose a fresh or thawed bird for even roasting and juicy meat.
Garlic Herb Butter
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup softened): Acts as the base for the garlic herb butter, ensuring richness and moisture.
- Garlic (4 cloves minced): Delivers bold and fragrant flavor that infuses the chicken.
- Fresh Herbs (2 tablespoons each of parsley, thyme, and rosemary, finely chopped): Adds brightness and earthiness that complement the butter.
Additional Ingredients
- Lemon (1 whole, halved): Provides fresh acidity to balance the richness and enhances aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and herbs.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the skin to promote crispiness during roasting.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs until fully combined. This fragrant butter will be rubbed all over and beneath the chicken skin to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Gently loosen the skin from the breast and thighs with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the garlic herb butter evenly under the skin, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place the halved lemon inside the chicken cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the skin for extra crispiness and a golden finish.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a baking tray. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Baste with pan juices halfway through for added flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, yielding a juicy and tender bite every time.
Notes
- Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chicken rest locks in the juices and makes carving easier.
- Loosen the Skin Carefully: This creates a flavorful barrier between the butter and the meat without tearing.
- Save Pan Drippings: Use the flavorful juices for gravy or to baste your chicken for extra moist results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of whole chicken
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: roast chicken, garlic herb butter, baked chicken, family dinner, easy roast chicken, juicy chicken, herb roasted chicken, garlic butter chicken