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Get ready to impress your family and friends with a mouth-watering Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken! This juicy dish is packed with flavor and easy to make. I’ll guide you through each step, from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect roast. Plus, I’ll share my best tips and tricks for a crispy skin and enhanced taste. Let’s dive in and make a meal that everyone will love!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic and fresh herbs creates an irresistible aroma and flavor that permeates the chicken, ensuring every bite is delicious.
- Crispy Skin: The garlic herb butter not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a perfectly crispy skin, making it visually appealing and satisfying to eat.
- Easy Prep: This recipe requires minimal effort with a straightforward process, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken
To make a delicious garlic herb butter roasted chicken, you will need these key ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 10 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lemon, quartered
– 1 onion, quartered (for stuffing)
These ingredients create a juicy chicken with a rich flavor profile. The butter adds moisture and richness, while the garlic gives a fragrant punch.
Required Herbs and Seasonings
The right herbs and seasonings make this dish shine. You should gather:
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
These herbs bring freshness to the chicken. Rosemary and thyme add an earthy taste, while parsley brightens the dish. Paprika gives a lovely color and a hint of warmth.
Optional Ingredients for Enhanced Flavor
While the main ingredients are essential, you can add more for extra flavor. Consider these options:
– Additional garlic cloves for deeper flavor
– A splash of white wine for a deeper sauce
– Carrots and celery in the roasting pan for added sweetness
These optional ingredients can elevate your dish. They add layers of taste and complexity, making your roast chicken even more special.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This gets the oven hot enough for a great roast. Next, take your whole chicken, about 4-5 lbs, and pat it dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the skin get crispy.
Now, loosen the skin over the breast and thighs gently. Use your fingers to do this. Be careful not to tear the skin. Once loosened, you can add flavor by putting some of the garlic herb butter mixture under the skin.
Making the Garlic Herb Butter Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 10 cloves of minced garlic, and fresh herbs like:
– 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
– 2 tablespoons thyme, chopped
– 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Add 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well. This mixture is key to adding flavor to the chicken. You want it to be smooth and well-blended.
Roasting the Chicken to Perfection
Take half of your garlic herb butter and spread it under the skin. Rub it into the meat for a burst of flavor. Then, take the rest of the butter and rub it all over the outside of the chicken. Make sure it is well-coated.
Next, stuff the chicken’s cavity with quartered lemon and onion. This adds even more flavor. Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a pan, breast side up. Roast it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check when it hits 165°F (75°C).
Halfway through, baste the chicken with its own drippings for extra juiciness. When it’s golden brown and done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices in the meat. Enjoy your delicious garlic herb butter roasted chicken!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring a Crispy Skin
To get that crispy skin, start by drying your chicken well. Use paper towels to pat it dry. This helps remove any moisture. Next, loosen the skin gently with your fingers. Be careful not to tear it. Then, use half of your garlic herb butter mixture under the skin. This adds flavor and helps the skin crisp up nicely. Finally, rub the remaining butter all over the outside. Make sure to season it well with salt and pepper.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
For extra flavor, you can try a few techniques. First, add lemon and onion inside the chicken. This gives a nice aroma and taste. You can also use more herbs, like sage or oregano, to switch things up. Another tip is to baste your chicken halfway through cooking. Use the drippings from the pan. This keeps the meat juicy and adds more flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time. Let the chicken sit after cooking. This helps the juices spread throughout the meat.
Recommended Cooking Tools
Using the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I recommend:
– Roasting pan: A sturdy pan helps catch the drippings.
– Roasting rack: This keeps the chicken elevated for even cooking.
– Meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
– Basting brush: Use this to apply drippings for extra flavor.
– Sharp carving knife: This helps carve the chicken easily.
These tools will help you achieve the best results with your garlic herb butter roasted chicken.
Pro Tips
- Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before applying the butter helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial; it helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Baste for Extra Flavor: Basting the chicken with its own drippings halfway through roasting enhances the flavor and moisture of the meat.

Variations
Herb Substitutes for Different Flavors
You can change the herbs to make this dish your own. If you want a bolder taste, try using sage or dill instead of rosemary. Oregano also works well for a Mediterranean twist. Just remember, fresh herbs give the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used, but they are less strong. Use about one-third of the amount if you choose dried.
Cooking Method Alternatives
You can roast the chicken in different ways. If you own an air fryer, it cooks faster and gives a crispy skin. Set it to 360°F and cook for about 60 minutes. A slow cooker is another great option. It makes the chicken very tender. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just skip the browning step and add the butter mixture directly.
Accompaniments and Sides to Serve
Pair your chicken with tasty sides for a full meal. Roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes are great. A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette is refreshing. You can also serve it with rice or creamy mashed potatoes. These sides soak up the chicken’s juices and balance the flavors.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Roasted Chicken
To keep your leftover roasted chicken fresh, let it cool first. Once it’s cool, place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you see any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy texture, throw it away.
Freezing Guidelines for Future Use
If you want to keep your chicken longer, freezing is a great option. First, make sure the chicken is fully cooled. Cut it into pieces for easier storage. Place the pieces in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Taste
To reheat your chicken and keep it juicy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. For crispy skin, uncover the dish for the last 5-10 minutes. Enjoy your delicious chicken just as if it were fresh!
FAQs
How long to roast a 5 lb chicken?
Roast a 5 lb chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin will be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
You should not use frozen chicken for this recipe. Thaw the chicken first. It cooks best when it is fresh or fully thawed.
What can I use instead of fresh herbs?
If you lack fresh herbs, use dried herbs. Use about one-third of the amount. For example, use 1 tablespoon of dried herbs for every 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Dried herbs can still add great flavor!
This article covered all you need for Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, plus step-by-step instructions for prep and roasting. I shared tips for crispy skin and flavor boosts. You learned about tasty variations and storage tips for leftovers. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen! Your cooking skills will grow with each recipe. Enjoy every bite, and share your creations with loved one
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken
A flavorful roasted chicken infused with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for a family dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
- 1 whole chicken (around 4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 whole lemon, quartered
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 whole onion, quartered (for stuffing)
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the herbs and garlic are evenly distributed in the butter.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs using your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
Spread about half of the garlic herb butter mixture under the skin. Use your fingers to rub it into the meat for maximum flavor.
Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered lemon and onion for added flavor.
Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken with drippings halfway through cooking for extra juiciness.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Let the chicken rest before carving for juicier meat.
Keyword butter, chicken, garlic, herb, roasted
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