This Garlic Butter Roast Chicken is the definition of comfort food — juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with savory garlic-herb flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy yet impressive dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal effort, maximum flavor — just season, spread with garlic butter, and roast.
Versatile — pairs with almost any side dish and works for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Perfect texture — juicy meat with golden, crispy skin.
Meal prep friendly — leftovers are great for soups, salads, or casseroles.
Customizable — switch up the herbs or add vegetables to the roasting pan.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 ½ to 4 pound whole chicken
½ medium onion
4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 sprig rosemary or parsley)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Remove giblets and neck from the chicken cavity if present.
Pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels. Season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
Cut the onion in half. Place onion halves and thyme inside the chicken cavity. Tie the legs with kitchen twine if not already tied.
In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and thyme leaves.
Spread the garlic butter mixture over the skin of the chicken (or under the skin for more flavor). Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the chicken breast-side up in a cast iron or ceramic baking dish. Add optional herbs, onions, lemons, or garlic to the pan.
Place the chicken in the oven and immediately reduce temperature to 425°F. Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F.
Rest chicken for 10–15 minutes before carving. Serve with the melted garlic butter from the pan if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Lemon Herb Roast Chicken — Add lemon halves to the cavity and pan for a fresh citrus note.
Vegetable Roast — Surround chicken with carrots, potatoes, or parsnips for a one-pan meal.
Spicy Garlic Roast — Mix a pinch of chili flakes into the garlic butter.
Mediterranean Style — Add oregano, rosemary, and sliced olives to the pan.
Honey Garlic Glaze — Brush chicken with a honey-garlic mixture during the last 15 minutes of roasting.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts. For crispy skin, reheat uncovered in the oven.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and roast uncovered.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

Do I need to baste the chicken?

Basting is optional; the garlic butter keeps it moist.

Can I put garlic under the skin?

Yes, placing half the butter mixture under the skin infuses more flavor into the meat.

What pan should I use?

A cast iron or ceramic baking dish is ideal, but a roasting pan works too.

Can I make this with turkey?

Yes, adjust cooking time for the larger bird size.

Why do I start at 450°F?

The initial high heat helps crisp the skin before lowering to finish cooking.

Can I stuff the chicken with bread stuffing?

It’s best to roast without bread stuffing to ensure even cooking, but you can cook stuffing separately.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thigh (not touching bone) — it should read 165°F.

What should I serve with this?

It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Roast Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its tender, juicy meat and crispy golden skin, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again — and the leftovers are just as delicious.