Description
A juicy, golden-brown whole chicken infused with a savory garlic-herb butter and brightened with fresh lemon. Perfect as a family centerpiece or for high-quality meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (approx 4–5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 lemon (half sliced, half zested)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Season the inside of the chicken cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff the sliced lemon and a few herb sprigs inside.
- Gently lift the skin over the breast meat. Spread a generous amount of the herb butter underneath the skin, then rub the remaining butter over the exterior skin.
- Place chicken in a roasting pan. Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- Lower oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 60-80 minutes until a meat thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest on a carving board for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American