Description
This Herb-Roasted Whole Chicken with Garlic Butter recipe is a delicious, crowd-pleasing, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any occasion. The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful garlic butter mixture infused with Italian herbs and paprika, roasted to a golden perfection alongside hearty vegetables. The result is a juicy, aromatic roast chicken with crispy skin, ideal for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (1.8–2.2 kg / 4–5 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or thyme + rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cavity (optional but recommended):
- ½ onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 sprig rosemary or thyme
For Roasting:
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, cut into large pieces
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during roasting.
- Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful garlic herb butter mixture.
- Season generously: Rub the garlic butter mix all over the chicken, including under the skin to infuse deep flavor. Place the half onion, 2 garlic cloves, and sprig of rosemary or thyme inside the chicken cavity for added aroma.
- Add the vegetables: Arrange chopped carrots, potatoes, and quartered onion around the chicken in a roasting pan. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to enhance their natural sweetness during roasting.
- Roast: Place the roasting pan in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and bake for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), ensuring it is thoroughly cooked.
- Let it rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender chicken.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before starting this recipe for even cooking.
- Using room temperature butter helps it blend smoothly with olive oil and herbs.
- Resting the chicken after roasting is crucial to maintain juiciness.
- You can substitute the vegetables with others like parsnips or sweet potatoes as preferred.
- If you have a meat thermometer, checking the internal temperature is the best way to avoid under or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Herb Roasted Chicken, Garlic Butter Chicken, Roast Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Oven Roasted Chicken, Comfort Food
