Chicken

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter

Name: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lemon, zested and quartered; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, 2–3 cut into large chunks; 2 celery 2–3 stalks, cut into large chunks; 1 cup chicken broth or water

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful. This dish features a whole chicken roasted to golden perfection, infused with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and a luscious garlic butter sauce. The result is juicy, tender meat with a crispy, flavorful skin that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or impressing guests, this roasted chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ease. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a fragrant, savory aroma that fills the kitchen and whets the appetite before the first bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a simple whole chicken and transforms it into a flavorful centerpiece. The garlic butter penetrates the meat, keeping it juicy while adding richness, and the lemon brightens the flavor, preventing it from being too heavy. The herbs add a layer of complexity and freshness that makes every bite unforgettable.

It’s also versatile and adaptable—you can use any herbs you like, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. The crispy skin and tender meat make it feel indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Juicy and flavorful: Garlic butter and herbs penetrate the meat, keeping it moist.
Elegant yet easy: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves a beautifully roasted chicken.
Fragrant and inviting: Lemon and herbs create a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.

This recipe is a must-try because it’s a foolproof way to make a succulent, flavorful roasted chicken that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
Marinating/Resting Time (optional): 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (for a 4 lb chicken)
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / European-inspired
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs), giblets removed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, zested and quartered
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
1 tsp paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Aromatics:

1 onion, quartered
2–3 carrots, cut into large chunks
2–3 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
1 cup chicken broth or water (for roasting pan)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs and rub half the garlic butter under the skin.
Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and place lemon quarters inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Place onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting pan.
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the pan.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste the chicken occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.

Step 6: Rest and Carve

Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

How to Serve

Carve the chicken into breast, thigh, and drumstick portions.
Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Spoon pan juices over the meat for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

Patting the chicken dry ensures crisp, golden skin.
Don’t skip resting the chicken after roasting—it keeps the meat juicy.
Basting adds flavor but is optional; the garlic butter keeps it moist.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking.

Variations

Herb Variations: Use tarragon, sage, or parsley instead of or in addition to thyme and rosemary.
Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime slices instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the garlic butter.
Stuffed Chicken: Add garlic and herb cheese or vegetables into the cavity for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: Remove meat from bones, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Special Equipment Needed

Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
Meat thermometer
Basting brush (optional)
Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing)
Small bowl for garlic butter

Conclusion

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter is a classic, flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender meat with crispy skin and aromatic herbs. The garlic butter and lemon infuse the chicken with rich, zesty flavor while the roasting vegetables enhance the meal. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a simple yet elegant meal, this roasted chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Print Recipe

Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 75 mins Total Time 1 hr 35 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 450 calories per serving

Description

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs and rub half the garlic butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and place lemon quarters inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place onion, carrots, and celery in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the pan.
Step 5: Roast the Chicken: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to crisp the skin. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Carve: Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.