Description

A juicy, flavorful roast chicken with a fragrant herb butter infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest, creating a crispy, golden skin and tender meat, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

5 garlic cloves (1 minced)

½ tsp minced rosemary + 2 rosemary sprigs

½ tsp minced thyme + 2 thyme sprigs

½ tsp finely grated lemon zest

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 (4‑pound) chicken, at room temperature

1 large onion, cut into 8 wedges

1 lemon, cut into 8 rounds

1 cup water, divided

½ cup chicken stock or low‑sodium broth

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F with the rack positioned in the lower third.
In a bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
Pat the chicken dry. Rub half of the herb butter under the skin and the remaining over the surface. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Scatter onion wedges, lemon rounds, garlic cloves, and herb sprigs around it. Add ½ cup water to the pan.
Roast for 30 minutes, until the breast is firm and slightly browned.
Turn the chicken breast-side down and continue roasting for another 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
Turn the chicken breast-side up, add the remaining ½ cup water, and roast for another 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer in the inner thigh registers 175–180°F.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, remove the rack, and spoon off excess fat.
Set the pan over high heat, add stock, and scrape up browned bits. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for a savory jus.
Carve the chicken and serve with the jus spooned over the top.

Notes

Add roasted vegetables (carrots, potatoes, parsnips) alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal.
Swap herbs like parsley, sage, or tarragon for rosemary and thyme.
Try lime or orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Roast Chicken
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American/Classic

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 6 oz chicken)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 50g
Cholesterol: 135mg