Golden Crispy Skin Roasted Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter ā 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 Youāll 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 (3.5ā4 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 ā Easy Oven-Baked Whole Chicken Dinner
DifficultyMedium
Servings4-6
Prep time20 minutes
Cook time1 hour15 minutes
Total time1 hour35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, (3.5ā4 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 10ā15 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.
Equipment Used:
Nutrition
Calories | 420 |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Cholesterol | 135mg |
Fat | 30g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 32g |
Saturated Fat | 14g |
Sodium | 670mg |
Sugar | 2g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Unsaturated Fat | 16g |
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.
Letās Get Cooking: Pro Tips
- Ensure Crispy Skin: Dry the chicken well and season it before roasting.
- Herb Butter: Mix your herbs and butter well to ensure even flavor distribution.
- 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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