Description
Juicy, tender, and full of fresh flavor, this Lemon Garlic Butter Roast Chicken combines zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter for a comforting yet elegant main dish that’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), giblets removed
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and divided
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic paste or minced garlic
- 2 lemons, juiced and halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, stems removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 2 medium carrots, chopped into quarters
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- Kitchen twine (for tying legs)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet with a rack.
- Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
- Mix 1/4 cup melted butter with olive oil, garlic, juice of 1 lemon, and rosemary. Rub mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion, carrots, and garlic head. Place any extras around the chicken and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
- Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350°F, baste with remaining melted butter, and roast for about 1 hour more, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste again with pan juices and let rest 15–20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different herb profile.
- Add smoked paprika to the butter for a smoky flavor and rich color.
- Orange slices in the cavity add a citrus twist.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in soups, salads, or sandwiches.
- Let the chicken rest before carving to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
