Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken Recipe

It’s funny how some recipes just become instant classics in your home. This Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is exactly that for us. From the moment the aroma starts wafting through the house, a sense of comfort and anticipation fills the air. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Weekends have become synonymous with this dish in our household. The kids devour it, my partner raves about the crispy skin and juicy meat, and honestly, I feel like a culinary rockstar every time I serve it. What I love most is its simplicity. Don’t let the “roast chicken” part intimidate you; this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yet delivers restaurant-quality results. The magic lies in the garlic herb butter, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavour from the inside out, creating a bird that’s both incredibly moist and deeply savoury. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress without demanding hours in the kitchen, look no further. This Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

Ingredients

To create this flavourful Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste, so choose the best you can find. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Whole Chicken: 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, preferably organic or free-range. Choosing a good quality chicken makes a noticeable difference in both taste and texture. A 3-4 pound chicken is ideal for a family dinner, offering a good balance of meat and cook time.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Make sure it’s softened enough to easily mix with the herbs and garlic.
• Fresh Garlic: 6-8 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic flavour. Mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the butter mixture. For an even more intense garlic flavour, you can roast a head of garlic and use the roasted cloves instead.
• Fresh Herbs (Mixed): 1/4 cup, finely chopped. A mix of fresh herbs is key to the complexity of the flavour profile. Excellent choices include:
  • Rosemary: Adds a piney, earthy note.
  • Thyme: Provides a slightly lemony, herbaceous flavour.
  • Parsley: Offers a fresh, clean taste and vibrant green colour.
  • Sage: Introduces a peppery, slightly musky aroma, especially good for poultry.
  • Chives: Adds a mild oniony flavour and delicate texture.
    You can use a combination of 2-3 of these herbs, or a pre-mixed herb blend, depending on your preference and what’s available. Fresh herbs are highly recommended, but in a pinch, you can use dried herbs, using about 1 tablespoon total.
• Lemon: 1 medium, halved. One half will be used to stuff inside the chicken cavity, and the other half can be squeezed over the chicken before serving for a bright, citrusy finish.
• Salt: 2 teaspoons, or to taste. Kosher salt or sea salt is preferred for its cleaner flavour. Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the flavours of the herbs and garlic.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick and aromatic complexity. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Olive oil helps to crisp the chicken skin and adds a touch of richness. You can also use other neutral oils like avocado oil or canola oil.
• Optional: White Wine or Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup. Adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the bottom of the roasting pan can create steam, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful, and it also creates delicious pan juices for gravy.

Gathering these fresh, fragrant ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly exceptional Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken. Ensure you have everything measured and prepped before you begin the next step – the instructions. This will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for creating this delectable Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure your oven rack is in the center position to allow for even heat distribution around the chicken.
   • Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so the drier the skin, the better.
   • Place the chicken in a roasting pan. A roasting pan with a rack is ideal as it allows air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even cooking and crisping. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use a bed of roughly chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to lift the chicken slightly.
2. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork or spatula until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the butter is fragrant with the herbs and garlic. This is your flavour bomb that will infuse the chicken with incredible taste.
3. Season and Butter the Chicken:
   • Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast, thighs, and legs. Be careful not to tear the skin. Start at the neck cavity and work your fingers down, separating the skin from the meat as much as possible. This creates pockets for the herb butter to be inserted directly onto the meat, maximizing flavour infusion.
   • Take about two-thirds of the garlic herb butter mixture and carefully stuff it under the skin of the chicken, distributing it evenly over the breast, thighs, and legs. Massage the butter under the skin, ensuring it spreads as much as possible.
   • Rub the remaining garlic herb butter all over the outside of the chicken skin. This will not only add flavour to the skin but also help it crisp up beautifully during roasting.
   • Season the inside cavity of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the Cavity and Truss (Optional):
   • Place one lemon half inside the cavity of the chicken. You can also add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme inside the cavity for extra aroma.
   • If you wish to truss the chicken, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. Trussing helps the chicken cook more evenly and maintain a compact shape, although it’s not strictly necessary.
5. Roast the Chicken:
   • Pour the optional white wine or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam and prevent the pan drippings from burning, while also adding moisture to the chicken.
   • Place the roasting pan with the chicken in the preheated oven.
   • Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken and your oven. It’s crucial to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
   • During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, you can baste the chicken with the pan juices every 10 minutes to enhance flavour and promote browning. This involves spooning the juices from the bottom of the pan over the chicken skin.
6. Rest the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
   • Tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavourful chicken. If you carve it immediately, the juices will run out, and the chicken will be drier.
7. Carve and Serve:
   • After resting, carve the chicken and serve immediately. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the carved chicken for a final burst of freshness, if desired.
   • Don’t forget to spoon the delicious pan juices over the chicken when serving. These pan juices are packed with flavour from the herbs, garlic, and chicken drippings.

Following these detailed instructions will guide you to create a perfectly roasted Garlic Herb Butter Chicken with crispy skin, juicy meat, and an explosion of flavour. Enjoy the process and savour the incredible result!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for making informed dietary choices. Please note that the following nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, the size of the chicken, and serving sizes.

Servings: 6

This recipe is generally designed to comfortably serve approximately 6 people. Serving sizes can be adjusted based on individual appetites and the presence of side dishes. A typical serving would include a portion of chicken breast, thigh, or leg, along with skin and some of the garlic herb butter.

Approximate Calories per Serving: 450-550

The estimated calorie range per serving of Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is between 450 and 550 calories. This is an approximation and can fluctuate based on factors such as:

• Chicken Size and Fat Content: A larger chicken or one with higher fat content will naturally contribute more calories. Organic or free-range chickens may sometimes have slightly less fat, but this is not always the case.
• Butter Amount: The amount of garlic herb butter used will significantly impact the calorie count. While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup, variations in application and absorption can occur.
• Skin Consumption: Chicken skin is higher in fat and calories. If you consume the skin, the calorie count will be higher. Removing the skin will reduce the calorie and fat content.
• Serving Size: The size of each serving directly affects the calorie intake. Larger servings will contain more calories.

Breakdown of Macronutrients (approximate per serving):

• Protein: 40-50 grams. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall bodily functions.
• Fat: 25-35 grams. This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from the chicken skin and butter. While some fat is necessary for flavour and satiety, be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.
• Carbohydrates: Minimal (negligible). The recipe is very low in carbohydrates, primarily coming from trace amounts in herbs and garlic.

Other Nutritional Highlights:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken is a good source of B vitamins (niacin, B6, B12), selenium, and phosphorus.
• Sodium: The sodium content will depend on the amount of salt used. Adjust salt to taste and be mindful if you are on a low-sodium diet.

Important Note: These nutritional facts are estimates. For precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators or apps, inputting the specific ingredients and quantities you used in this recipe. Always consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized dietary advice. Enjoy this delicious and protein-rich Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

Planning your cooking time is essential for a smooth and stress-free meal preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time for this Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken recipe:

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

This timeframe encompasses all the steps required before the chicken goes into the oven. It is broken down into the following stages:

• Ingredient Gathering and Prep (5-7 minutes): This includes:
  • Gathering all the ingredients from your pantry and refrigerator.
  • Softening the butter (if it’s not already softened).
  • Minching the garlic cloves.
  • Chopping the fresh herbs.
  • Halving the lemon.
  • Taking the chicken out of its packaging and patting it dry.
• Garlic Herb Butter Mixing (3-5 minutes): This involves:
  • Combining the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Mixing everything together until well combined and fragrant.
• Chicken Preparation and Buttering (10-13 minutes): This is the most hands-on part and includes:
  • Loosening the chicken skin carefully.
  • Stuffing the garlic herb butter under the skin and rubbing it all over the outside.
  • Seasoning the chicken cavity with salt and pepper.
  • Stuffing the lemon half (and optional herbs) into the cavity.
  • Optionally trussing the chicken.
  • Placing the chicken in the roasting pan and adding white wine or chicken broth (optional).

Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes

This is the time the chicken spends in the oven roasting. The exact cooking time will depend on:

• Chicken Size: Larger chickens will require slightly longer cooking times.
• Oven Temperature Accuracy: Oven temperatures can vary slightly. Using an oven thermometer can ensure your oven is accurately preheated.
• Desired Level of Browning: Some people prefer a deeper golden brown skin, which may require a few extra minutes in the oven.

Resting Time: 15-20 minutes

Resting the chicken after roasting is crucial for juicy meat. This time is not active cooking time, but it is an essential part of the process and should be factored into your meal planning.

Total Time (Preparation + Cooking + Resting): Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes

From start to finish, including preparation, cooking, and resting, you should allocate around 2 to 2 hours and 15 minutes to make this Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken. This makes it a wonderful weekend meal or a special occasion dinner. While the cooking time is moderate, the active preparation time is relatively short, making it manageable even on a busy day. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

How to Serve

Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Its rich flavour profile and satisfying nature make it a centrepiece for any meal. Here are some delightful ways to serve your roast chicken, using lists and bullet points for clarity and easy readability:

Classic Side Dish Pairings:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the quintessential partner for roast chicken. They soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a comforting, classic combination. Consider adding garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes for an extra flavour boost.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables alongside or separately from the chicken is a fantastic way to create a balanced and flavourful meal. Excellent choices include:
  • Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets roast beautifully and offer a natural sweetness that complements the savoury chicken.
  • Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts: These cruciferous vegetables become wonderfully caramelized and slightly crispy when roasted, providing a contrasting texture and flavour.
  • Roasted Asparagus: A quick and elegant side dish that adds a touch of freshness and green colour to the plate.
• Gravy: Utilize the pan drippings to create a flavourful gravy. Skim off excess fat from the pan juices, then thicken the remaining liquid with a roux (butter and flour) or cornstarch slurry. Herb gravy, infused with some of the fresh herbs used in the chicken, would be especially delicious.
• Stuffing or Dressing: A classic stuffing or dressing, cooked inside the chicken (for stuffing) or separately in a casserole dish (for dressing), is a wonderful accompaniment, especially for holiday meals. Bread-based stuffings with herbs, vegetables, or sausage pair wonderfully with roast chicken.

Fresh and Lighter Options:

• Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the roast chicken. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette would be perfect.
• Quinoa or Couscous Salad: For a slightly more substantial and healthy side, consider a quinoa or couscous salad. These grains can be dressed with herbs, lemon juice, and vegetables for a flavorful and lighter option.
• Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal. The tanginess of coleslaw cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
• Steamed Green Beans or Peas: Simple steamed green beans or peas offer a vibrant green colour and a healthy vegetable side. Toss them with a little butter and herbs for extra flavour.

Bread and Accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices and gravy. Sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta would all be excellent choices.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are always a welcome addition to a roast chicken dinner, especially for families.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over their chicken and sides.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:

• Family Dinner: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like carrots and broccoli), and dinner rolls make a classic and comforting family meal.
• Holiday Feast: Stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole create a festive and abundant holiday spread.
• Weeknight Meal: Pair with a simple green salad and quinoa or couscous for a quicker and healthier weeknight option.
• Elegant Dinner Party: Serve with roasted asparagus, creamy polenta, and a glass of white wine for a sophisticated and impressive dinner.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken is sure to be the star of the meal. Enjoy experimenting with different side dishes to find your favourite combinations!

Additional Tips for Perfect Roast Chicken

To consistently achieve a perfectly roasted, flavourful, and juicy Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, consider these five essential tips:

1. Start with a Dry Chicken: As mentioned earlier, moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Thoroughly patting the chicken dry, both inside and out, with paper towels before seasoning and buttering is crucial. This allows the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven. You can even let the chicken air dry uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour or two before roasting for extra crispy skin.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resist the temptation to carve the chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven. Resting the chicken, tented loosely with foil, for at least 15-20 minutes is absolutely essential. During resting, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly more tender and flavourful chicken. If you carve it too soon, the juices will run out, leaving you with drier meat.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: Forget guesswork and rely on a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection and, most importantly, safely. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer eliminates any doubt and prevents overcooking or undercooking. Instant-read thermometers are particularly convenient.
4. Baste for Extra Flavour and Moisture: Basting the chicken with the pan juices during the last 20-30 minutes of roasting adds an extra layer of flavour and helps keep the chicken moist. Simply spoon the flavorful pan drippings over the chicken skin every 10 minutes or so. This also promotes even browning and a beautiful glossy finish.
5. Herb Variations and Experimentation: While the recipe calls for a mix of herbs, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations based on your preferences and what you have available. Consider trying:
   • Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest to the butter mixture and use herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a bright, Mediterranean flavour.
   • Italian Herb: Incorporate Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and parsley for a classic Italian twist.
   • Spicy Herb: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick, along with herbs like rosemary and sage.
   • Garlic Lovers: Increase the amount of garlic or use roasted garlic for an even more intense garlic flavour.

By incorporating these tips into your cooking process, you’ll be well on your way to consistently creating delicious and impressive Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken that will impress your family and friends every time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are five frequently asked questions about making Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, along with helpful answers to guide you through the process:

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: It is highly recommended to use a completely thawed chicken for roasting. Roasting a frozen chicken will result in uneven cooking; the outside will cook much faster than the inside, leading to dry skin and potentially undercooked meat near the bone. Ensure your chicken is fully thawed in the refrigerator before you begin the preparation process. Proper thawing is also essential for food safety.

Q2: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs instead?

A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavour and aroma, you can certainly use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. So, if the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh herbs, use approximately 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in total. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavour, so less is needed. Rehydrate dried herbs slightly by rubbing them between your fingers before adding them to the butter mixture to release their aroma.

Q3: How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

A: The most reliable way to determine if your roast chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. The juices should also run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork. Do not rely solely on cooking time, as oven temperatures and chicken sizes can vary.

Q4: Can I roast vegetables in the same pan as the chicken?

A: Yes, you can absolutely roast vegetables in the same pan as the chicken. This is a great way to save time and infuse the vegetables with the delicious chicken drippings and herb butter flavour. Roughly chop root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions and place them around the chicken in the roasting pan. Keep in mind that vegetables may cook at a different rate than the chicken, so you may need to adjust cooking times or remove the vegetables earlier if they are cooked through before the chicken is done. Ensure the vegetables are cut into relatively uniform sizes for even cooking.

Q5: How should I store leftover roast chicken?

A: Leftover roast chicken should be stored properly to maintain its quality and safety. Allow the chicken to cool down slightly after cooking, but don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Cut the chicken into pieces or shred the meat and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Leftover roast chicken is best consumed within 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or use it cold in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Ensure the chicken is heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating.

These FAQs should address common concerns and help you confidently prepare and enjoy your Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken. Happy cooking!

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