Description

A juicy, flavorful whole chicken roasted with a rich garlic butter rub, fresh herbs, and crispy golden skin. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

3½ to 4 lb whole chicken

½ medium onion

4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 sprig rosemary or parsley)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste)

1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)

Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
Remove giblets and neck from chicken cavity if present. Pat chicken dry inside and out with paper towels. Season inside and outside with salt and pepper.
Cut onion in half. Place onion halves and thyme inside the chicken cavity. Tie legs with kitchen twine if needed.
In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, garlic, 1 tsp kosher salt, and thyme leaves.
Spread garlic butter mixture over the skin of the chicken (or under the skin for extra flavor). Season again with salt and pepper if desired.
Place chicken breast-side up in a cast iron or ceramic baking dish. Add optional herbs, onions, lemons, or garlic to the pan if desired.
Place chicken in oven and immediately reduce temperature to 425°F (220°C). Roast 45–55 minutes, or until juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
Rest chicken 10–15 minutes before carving. Serve with melted garlic butter from the pan if desired.

Notes

For lemon herb flavor, add lemon halves to the cavity and pan.
Surround chicken with carrots, potatoes, or parsnips for a one-pan meal.
Add chili flakes to garlic butter for a spicy twist.
Use oregano, rosemary, and sliced olives for a Mediterranean variation.
Brush with a honey-garlic glaze during the last 15 minutes for added sweetness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 23 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 33 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg