Golden Crispy Skin Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter – Your Ultimate Easy Roast Chicken Dinner

Craving a roasted chicken with a garlic herb butter that’s just as good, if not better, than your favorite restaurant? You’ve found the right recipe! This golden crispy skin roasted chicken not only promises a mouth-watering meal but is also surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a hearty family dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Chicken Inspiration!

This recipe was born from a love of classic comfort foods and a desire to create a roasted chicken that stands out in both flavor and presentation. The addition of a rich garlic herb butter under the skin transforms a standard roast chicken into a decadent feast, with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley infusing each bite with freshness and depth.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Juicy and Flavorful: The garlic herb butter ensures every bite is moist and rich in aromatic flavors.
  • Perfectly Crispy Skin: Achieve that irresistible crispy skin with our tips for the perfect oven temperature and butter basting.
  • Versatility: Serve this chicken as a cozy weekend dinner or as the centerpiece for special occasions.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With everyday ingredients, this dish is easy to prep but big on flavor.

Quick Grocery List

For the Chicken:

  • Whole chicken (3.5–4 lbs)
  • Olive oil
  • Lemons
  • Garlic
  • Onions

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley
  • Lemon zest

For the Roasting Base:

  • Chicken broth or white wine
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

  • Prep & Cook Time: 20 minutes prep, 1 hour 15 minutes cooking
  • Equipment Checklist: Roasting pan, basting brush, meat thermometer, mixing bowl
  • Dietary Adjustments: Can be made dairy-free with substitutions like ghee or olive oil
  • Serving Size: Serves 4-6 people

Golden Crispy Skin Roasted Chicken Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter – Easy Oven-Baked Whole Chicken Dinner

DifficultyMedium

Servings4-6

Prep time20 minutes

Cook time1 hour15 minutes

Total time1 hour35 minutes

Golden Crispy Skin Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter – Your Ultimate Easy Roast Chicken Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken, (3.5–4 lbs)
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 6 garlic loves, smashed
  • 1 onion, quartered

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 zest lemon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Roasting Base:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth, (or white wine)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

Instructions:

  • 1

    Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • 2

    Prepare the Herb Butter:

    • In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • 3

    Prep the Chicken:

    • Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels (this is key for crispy skin!).
    • Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, garlic cloves, and onion.
  • 4

    Butter the Chicken:

    • Gently loosen the skin from the breast using your fingers.
    • Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, directly on the meat.
    • Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
  • 5

    Set Up the Roasting Pan:

    • In a large roasting pan or skillet, place chopped carrots, celery, and broth.
    • Drizzle olive oil over the veggies.
    • Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
  • 6

    Roast the Chicken:

    • Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
    • Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking for extra flavor and crispiness.
  • 7

    Rest Before Serving:

    • Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.

Nutrition

Calories420
Carbohydrates5g
Cholesterol135mg
Fat30g
Fiber1g
Protein32g
Saturated Fat14g
Sodium670mg
Sugar2g
Trans Fat0g
Unsaturated Fat16g

General Notes

  • Dry Skin for Crispiness: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning for the crispiest skin.
  • Herb Butter Under Skin: Adding butter under the skin helps flavor the meat directly and aids in crisping the skin.

Substitutions

  • Butter: Use ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
  • Herbs: Dried herbs can replace fresh if needed; use 1/3 the amount.
  • Lemon: Try oranges or grapefruit for a citrusy twist.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add chili flakes to the herb butter for a kick.
  • Lemon Pepper: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding extra zest and cracked black pepper.

Let’s Get Cooking: Pro Tips

  1. Ensure Crispy Skin: Dry the chicken well and season it before roasting.
  2. Herb Butter: Mix your herbs and butter well to ensure even flavor distribution.
  3. Basting: Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with its juices to enhance flavor and moisture.

Art Of Perfect Roasting

Mastering the roast involves controlling oven temperature and moisture. A hot oven (425°F) starts the crisping process, while basting with butter keeps the meat juicy.

Tips and Variations

  • Herb Choices: Mix and match herbs based on availability; sage and basil also work well.
  • Cooking Fat: Experiment with different oils or fats for basting to vary the flavor profile.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Carbohydrates: 5g – Low in carbs, perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
  • Cholesterol: 135mg – Manage intake if monitoring cholesterol.
  • Fat: 30g – High in fats, provides satiety and flavor.
  • Fiber: 1g – Minimal fiber; supplement with sides like salads.
  • Protein: 32g – Excellent source of high-quality protein.
  • Saturated Fat: 14g – Consider balancing with unsaturated fat sources in your diet.
  • Sodium: 670mg – Moderate sodium; adjust if on a low-sodium diet.
  • Sugar: 2g – Low sugar, suitable for most diets.
  • Trans Fat: 0g – Free from trans fats.
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g – Contains heart-healthy fats.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I prepare this chicken in advance?
A: Absolutely! Prepare up to a day ahead and keep refrigerated until ready to roast.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Q: Can I use this recipe with other parts of the chicken?
A: Yes, though cooking times may vary based on the piece used.

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