Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken is a classic, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe features a whole chicken roasted to perfection, infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs. The lemon herb butter bastes the chicken as it cooks, resulting in crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.

You’ll love the fragrant aroma filling your kitchen as the chicken roasts. The crisp skin, tender meat, and zesty lemon-herb flavor combine to create a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Tools to Use

Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing)
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil (if needed)

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and halved
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 small onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped (optional)
2 stalks celery, chopped (optional)
1 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Prep the Chicken:
- Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breast by gently sliding your fingers underneath it.
Season the Chicken:
- Rub half of the herb butter under the skin, spreading it over the breast. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon, onion, and any leftover herbs. Truss the legs with kitchen twine if desired.
Arrange in the Roasting Pan:
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Surround it with carrots and celery if using. Pour the chicken broth or water into the pan to keep the chicken moist during roasting.
Roast the Chicken:
- Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes for added flavor and crispiness.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

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Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken is a classic, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe features a whole chicken roasted to perfection, infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and a blend of aromatic herbs. The lemon herb butter bastes the chicken as it cooks, resulting in crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.

Equipment

Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing)
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil (if needed)

Ingredients

1 whole chicken 4-5 lbs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
3 cloves garlic minced
1 lemon zested and halved
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 small onion quartered
2 carrots chopped (optional)
2 stalks celery chopped (optional)
1 cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Prep the Chicken:
Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breast by gently sliding your fingers underneath it.
Season the Chicken:
Rub half of the herb butter under the skin, spreading it over the breast. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon, onion, and any leftover herbs. Truss the legs with kitchen twine if desired.
Arrange in the Roasting Pan:
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Surround it with carrots and celery if using. Pour the chicken broth or water into the pan to keep the chicken moist during roasting.
Roast the Chicken:
Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes for added flavor and crispiness.
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips for Cooking

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
Crispy Skin Tip: For extra-crispy skin, roast the chicken uncovered and pat it very dry before applying the butter.
Save the Pan Juices: Use the drippings to make a quick gravy or as a flavorful drizzle over the chicken.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

This Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon creates a perfectly balanced and aromatic meal that everyone will love. Whether for a holiday feast or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Nothing beats the comfort of a homemade roasted chicken, and this Lemon Herb Butter Roasted Chicken is the ultimate recipe to try. Packed with zesty, herbaceous flavors and paired with perfectly tender meat, it’s a meal that’ll quickly become a family favorite. Make it tonight and savor the delicious simplicity of this classic dish!