Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with Herb Butter

Name: Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with Herb Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 125 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 1.8 kg / 4 lb); 1 lemon (halved); 1 head garlic (halved horizontally); 60 g unsalted butter (softened); 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped); 250 ml chicken broth; 60 ml olive oil

125 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with Herb Butter

Juicy roast chicken infused with lemon and garlic, featuring crispy skin and heavenly pan juices.

Prep

20 min

Cook

90 min

Total

125 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

There's something truly comforting about the aroma of a roast chicken wafting through the house. This Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken takes the classic recipe and elevates it with fresh, zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, creating a dish that is both simple and sumptuous. The secret to this dish is the herb butter, which is carefully applied under the skin. This ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavourful, while the skin crisps up to perfection. Paired with the citrusy tang of lemon and the pungent aroma of garlic, this roast chicken is bound to become a family favourite.

Ingredients

Servings

Chicken and Seasoning

Pan Juices

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Pro tip: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside for even cooking.

Prepare the chicken

Remove giblets from the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

Stuff the chicken

Place the halved lemon and garlic inside the cavity of the chicken.

Pro tip: This helps to infuse the chicken with flavour from the inside out.

Make herb butter

Mix softened butter with chopped rosemary and thyme. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter under the skin.

Pro tip: Use your fingers carefully to avoid tearing the skin.

Season and roast

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.

Cook the chicken

Roast for approximately 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.

Pro tip: Baste occasionally with pan juices for added moisture.

Rest the chicken

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: Resting helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking for even results.</li><li>Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh.</li><li>Let the chicken rest before carving to retain juices.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress your guests. For an additional touch, pair with a light white wine or a cold glass of sparkling water. The chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, and remember to keep the leftover pan juices for extra flavour.