Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

$- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped - 1 lemon, cut into wedges - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - Fresh parsley for garnish When I make herb butter roasted chicken, I love using fresh herbs. They add so much flavor. You will need one whole chicken, about 4 to 5 pounds. This size is great for a family meal. Softened unsalted butter is key. It makes the herb butter mix well. You’ll want four cloves of minced garlic. This gives a nice depth of flavor. Use fresh rosemary and thyme, about two tablespoons each. They add a lovely aroma. One tablespoon of fresh sage will also brighten the dish. Don’t forget a lemon cut into wedges for extra juicy flavor. You can season with salt and pepper to your taste. For cooking, we need one cup of chicken broth. This keeps the chicken moist as it cooks. Lastly, fresh parsley adds a pop of color when you serve. With these simple ingredients, you can create a juicy and flavorful meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper until well blended. This herb butter will make your chicken tasty. - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. - Carefully loosen the skin over the chicken breast and thighs with your fingers. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin. - Take half of the herb butter and rub it under the skin. This adds flavor and moisture. - Spread the rest of the herb butter all over the outside of the chicken. - Stuff the chicken's cavity with lemon wedges. This adds fresh flavor. - Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the pan. This keeps the chicken moist while it cooks. - Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Baste every 20 minutes with the broth. This helps keep the skin golden and juicy. - Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside when you carve it. - Carve the chicken and serve it with fresh parsley. Drizzle some pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! Basting is key to keeping your chicken moist. Every 20 minutes, spoon some broth over the chicken. This adds flavor and keeps the skin crispy. After roasting, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside, making each bite juicy. You can add more herbs or spices. Consider using oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. Marinating the chicken overnight can also boost the flavor. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works great. Just remember to rinse the chicken before cooking. Serve the chicken on a large platter for a beautiful display. You can slice the chicken and arrange it neatly. Drizzle some pan juices over the top for added shine. For garnish, use fresh parsley or lemon slices. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature: Before roasting, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps the chicken cook more evenly. Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Baste for Extra Moisture: Basting the chicken every 20 minutes with the pan juices keeps the skin crispy and locks in moisture for juicy meat. Rest Before Carving: Allowing the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting ensures that the juices redistribute, leading to a more flavorful and moist chicken. {{image_2}} You can mix and match herbs for your herb butter. Basil and oregano work great too. Try tarragon or dill for a twist. Customize the butter by adding your favorite herbs. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Grilling chicken gives it a nice smoky flavor. To grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place your chicken on the grill and cook for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. For rotisserie cooking, secure the chicken on the spit and cook for about 1.5 hours. If you prefer a slow cooker, season your chicken with herb butter. Place it in the cooker with some broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken first. Then add broth and cook under pressure for about 30 minutes. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, pair well with chicken. You can also serve mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the juices. A fresh salad adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, include some warm bread to enjoy with your chicken. To store leftover chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. For best taste, eat it within two days. To reheat chicken, use the oven for best results. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm. Avoid the microwave if you can; it dries out the meat. You can freeze leftover chicken too. Wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. Frozen chicken lasts for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the oven as mentioned above for the best flavor and texture. How long should I roast a chicken per pound? Roast your chicken for about 15 minutes per pound. For a 4-5 pound chicken, this is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Using frozen chicken is not ideal. It needs to thaw first for even cooking. Plan to defrost it in the fridge for about 24 hours before cooking. What is the best way to check if the chicken is done? The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. How do I make herb butter in advance? You can make herb butter a day ahead. Mix the butter with garlic and herbs, then store it in the fridge. Just let it soften before using. What wines pair well with herb butter roasted chicken? White wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair well. They match the chicken's flavors nicely without overpowering them. How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller chicken? If you have a smaller chicken, reduce the cooking time. For a 3-pound chicken, roast it for about 1 hour. Adjust herb butter amounts to match the size. Roasting a whole chicken with herb butter is simple and rewarding. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to keep your chicken juicy. Variations allow you to explore different flavors and cooking methods. Proper storage and reheating ensure no chicken goes to waste. Remember, a well-roasted chicken can delight at any meal. Follow these steps, and enjoy your delicious creation!$

Herb Butter Roasted Chicken

A flavorful roasted chicken infused with herb butter and lemon.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 whole lemon, cut into wedges
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup chicken broth
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and thighs using your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
Using your hands, take about half of the herb butter mixture and rub it directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the chicken.
Place the lemon wedges inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to help keep the chicken moist while roasting.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown. Baste the chicken with the broth every 20 minutes.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Carve the chicken and serve garnished with fresh parsley. You can drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for added flavor.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before carving for juicier meat.

Keyword chicken, herb butter, roasted