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Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken That Will WOW Your Family

Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken is a family-friendly dish that transforms a humble roast into a gourmet centerpiece, perfect for special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds) Choose organic free-range for superior taste and texture.
  • to taste salt Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavors.
  • to taste pepper Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavors.
For the Butter Mixture
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) Adds richness; unsalted allows for better seasoning control.
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin recommended for maximum flavor and browning.
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (optional) Gives a lovely hue and mild sweetness; smoked paprika adds depth.
For the Aromatics
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced) Infuses the chicken with delightful savory notes; adjust to taste.
  • 1 head garlic (halved) Infuses the chicken with delightful savory notes; adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) Adds a fresh pop of color; can swap with cilantro or basil.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped) Imparts earthy flavors; use dried if fresh is unavailable.
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary (for stuffing) Imparts earthy flavors; use dried if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped) Provides aromatic notes; oregano or sage work well as substitutes.
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (for stuffing) Provides aromatic notes; oregano or sage work well as substitutes.
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced) Brightens the dish; fresh lemons yield the best flavor.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
  • jalapeños (for spicy version) Adds heat for those who crave a spicy kick.
  • honey or brown sugar (for sweet variation) A drizzle brings a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
  • greek yogurt (Mediterranean twist) Creamy element when stuffed with olives and tomatoes.

Equipment

  • roasting pan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to create the perfect roasting environment. Drizzle olive oil in a roasting pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Clean the whole chicken under cold water, removing excess fat and feathers. Pat dry with paper towels and place it breast-side up in the greased roasting pan.
  3. Mix olive oil, melted butter, and lemon juice to create a seasoning blend. Rub it generously under the skin and inside the cavity. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add parsley on top.
  4. Combine softened butter with chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Rub this mixture all over the exposed skin.
  5. Stuff the cavity with the halved garlic head, rosemary and thyme sprigs, and quartered lemon. Tie the chicken’s legs together with kitchen twine.
  6. Roast the chicken breast-side up for approximately 1 hour and 15-25 minutes, basting with juices halfway through. Watch for juices to run clear.
  7. Switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes for crispy skin—keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with pan juices and lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 38gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 450mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best reheating results, use the oven at 350°F (175°C). Avoid leaving the chicken out for more than 2 hours.

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