Description
This easy-to-make, aromatic roasted whole chicken is infused with a flavorful herb butter mixture and lemon. Juicy, crispy, and packed with garlic and fresh herbs, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any occasion and a budget-friendly meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
1 lemon, halved
4 tbsp butter, softened (substitute with high-quality olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free)
6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1.5 tsp garlic powder)
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Kitchen twine (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper to create the herb butter.
Gently loosen the skin of the chicken with your fingers and spread the herb butter evenly over the breast and thighs.
Stuff the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine or tuck the legs under the body.
Place the chicken, breast side up, on a roasting pan or rack.
Roast for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and the legs are golden brown and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
For a non-dairy option, use olive oil instead of butter in the herb mixture.
Patting the chicken skin dry before roasting is essential for achieving crispy skin.
Add chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, or potatoes under the chicken while roasting for a simple side dish.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: chicken
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice chicken and 1/4 of remaining portions
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg