Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat chicken dry: Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. A dry chicken helps the skin get crispy.
Step 2: Make Herb Butter
- Mix butter and herbs: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
- Loosen the skin: Carefully slide your fingers under the chicken skin on the breasts and legs to loosen it. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin, directly on the meat. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken.
- Stuff the cavity: Place the lemon wedges and quartered onion inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
- Tie the legs: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
- Roast: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste halfway: About halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the juices from the pan to keep it moist.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
- Rest: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier chicken.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- Extra crispy skin: If you want extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Additions: You can add carrots, potatoes, and garlic cloves around the chicken to roast at the same time for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is simple yet full of flavor, with the buttery, herb-infused meat and crispy golden skin. It’s a perfect dinner centerpiece that everyone will love!