Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to roast a chicken! This garlic herb butter roast chicken is a showstopper that will make your mouth water. Picture this: a juicy, tender chicken slathered in a decadent herb butter, infused with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs. The moment you take it out of the oven, the smell fills your kitchen and friends and family will gather around, eagerly awaiting dinner. Trust me, it’s perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress without too much fuss. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered
How to Prepare Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into the mouthwatering process of making this garlic herb butter roast chicken! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary wizard when you’re done. First, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your chicken will roast beautifully and get that golden skin we all love.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Wow, the aroma is already divine! Now, pat your chicken dry with some paper towels—it’s super important to get it nice and dry so the skin crisps up perfectly.
Now comes the fun part: rub that glorious garlic herb butter all over the chicken! Don’t be shy—get your hands in there and make sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor. Once that’s done, stuff the cavity with those lemon quarters; they’ll add such a fresh zing while it roasts.
Place your beautifully prepared chicken in a roasting pan and pop it into the preheated oven. Roast it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This is crucial for juicy, tender meat! After it’s done, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This step is key to keeping it juicy, so don’t skip it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the garlic herb butter all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly flavorful, thanks to the garlic herb butter that seeps into every bite.
- Simple to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Impressive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests at any gathering.
- Roasting brings out the chicken’s natural juices, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
- The aromatic herbs fill your kitchen with a mouthwatering scent that makes everyone eager to eat.
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups!
- Adds a touch of comfort and warmth to your family dinners.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic herb butter roast chicken turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some golden tips to share! First off, don’t skimp on the seasoning. Generously rub that garlic herb butter under the skin and all over the outside. This is where the magic happens, and the skin crisps up beautifully, bursting with flavor!
Timing is crucial! Keep an eye on your chicken as it roasts; every oven is a bit different. I suggest using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. When it hits that magic number of 165°F (75°C), you know it’s ready to come out. It’s better to check a little early than to overcook it and dry it out—nobody wants that!
Another little insider tip: if you have time, let your chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly. And when it’s done roasting, let it rest for those crucial 10-15 minutes! This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
Lastly, if you want to elevate your dish even further, try adding some sliced onions or carrots to the roasting pan. They soak up the drippings and become caramelized, making for a delicious side that complements your chicken perfectly. Happy roasting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delicious garlic herb butter roast chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the size of your chicken and how much butter you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1/4 of chicken
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 35g
This roast chicken is not only bursting with flavor but also packs in a good amount of protein while keeping carbs low—perfect for a hearty meal! Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re treating yourself to something nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw your chicken in the refrigerator before starting. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking, so thawing is key for this garlic herb butter roast chicken to turn out perfectly!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries at all! You can use dried herbs instead. A general rule of thumb is to use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. So, for example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme, use about 2 teaspoons of dried thyme. It’ll still taste delicious!
How can I tell if my chicken is done?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. When it reaches 165°F (75°C), you’re good to go! If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thigh and make sure the juices run clear.
Can I make this chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the chicken and rub it with the garlic herb butter up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Take it out about 30 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature. This way, you’ll have a flavorful roast chicken ready to go with minimal fuss!
What should I serve with garlic herb butter roast chicken?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving it with roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes, or maybe some creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh garden salad also complements the richness of the chicken beautifully. Just think of what you love, and it’ll pair wonderfully!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk sides because a fabulous garlic herb butter roast chicken deserves the perfect companions! I absolutely love serving this succulent chicken with a medley of roasted vegetables. Think colorful carrots, brussels sprouts, and potatoes tossed in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted to golden perfection. The sweetness of the veggies beautifully complements the savory chicken!
Another go-to for me is creamy mashed potatoes. Seriously, there’s nothing like a scoop of buttery, fluffy potatoes smothered in the chicken’s savory drippings. It’s comfort food at its finest! If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you could whip up some garlic parmesan mashed cauliflower for a lighter twist.
And don’t forget about a fresh garden salad! A simple mix of greens with a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the roast chicken. You could even throw in some nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture!
For a complete meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. Wow, just imagining it all together is making my mouth water! Trust me, no matter what you choose, your garlic herb butter roast chicken will shine at the center of the table, perfectly complemented by these delightful sides.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious garlic herb butter roast chicken, and now you have some leftovers—what a win! To keep it fresh and tasty, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before you store it. I usually carve the chicken into pieces for easier storage and to make reheating a breeze!
Place the carved chicken in an airtight container, and it’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly, so it doesn’t dry out or absorb any funky fridge odors. If you have a lot of leftovers, you can also wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps ensure they stay juicy and flavorful.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want that crispy skin back, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let it crisp up again—yum!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop a piece on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s hot. Be careful not to overheat, or it might turn rubbery. But honestly, the oven is my go-to for that perfect flavor and texture! Enjoy those tasty leftovers—you’ve earned it!
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this cooking chart for safe cooking temperatures.
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Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken: Simple 5-Step Delight
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful garlic herb butter roast chicken that is juicy and tender.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the garlic herb butter all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- You can use other herbs like sage or oregano.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or potatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of chicken
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic herb butter roast chicken, roast chicken, garlic chicken
