Go Back

Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

A comforting roasted chicken dish infused with garlic and fresh herbs that creates a delicious centerpiece for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 whole Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs) Choose a good quality, fresh chicken.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened) Softened for easy mixing and application.
  • 4-5 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced) Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Herbs (chopped) Rosemary, thyme, and parsley work well.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Brightens the butter and complements the herbs.
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt Kosher salt recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Extra virgin is a great choice.
  • 1 onion Onion (quartered) For stuffing the cavity, optional.
  • 1 lemon Lemon (quartered) For stuffing the cavity, optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Remove the chicken from its packaging and take out any giblets or neck from the cavity.
  3. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels, inside and out.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Mix until well combined and the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed.
Season and Butter the Chicken
  1. Season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. If using, stuff the cavity with quartered onion and lemon.
  3. Gently loosen the skin from the chicken breast and thighs, and slide about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter underneath the skin.
Prepare for Roasting
  1. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
  2. Dot the remaining garlic herb butter all over the outside of the chicken.
Roast the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
  2. Roast in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
  3. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  4. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Serving
  1. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

You can prepare the garlic herb butter up to two days in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.