Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken ensures a crispy skin.
Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and quartered onion to add flavor and moisture.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix until it forms a smooth herb butter.
Carefully lift the skin over the chicken breast and rub half of the garlic herb butter directly onto the meat, under the skin. This ensures the chicken will be flavorful and moist.
Rub the remaining butter over the top of the chicken, coating the entire skin to achieve that beautiful golden color and crispiness during roasting.
Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the bird moist during cooking.
Place any optional vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, or parsnips) around the chicken for a complete meal.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste for Extra Juiciness:
Halfway through the roasting process, baste the chicken with its own juices. You can do this by spooning the juices from the pan over the chicken. This helps keep the meat moist and enhances the flavor.
Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Carve the chicken and serve alongside your roasted vegetables and any other side dishes of your choice.
Tips for Success:
Crispy Skin: Make sure the chicken is thoroughly dried before applying the butter to get that perfectly crispy golden skin.
Flavored Juices: Feel free to add more herbs and spices to the butter mix to suit your taste. You can even add a dash of paprika or cumin for a unique twist.
Roasting Time: Check the chicken periodically to prevent overcooking. Using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t miss the ideal doneness.
Conclusion:
This herb-infused garlic butter roast chicken is a fantastic option for family dinners or holiday feasts. The blend of herbs and the richness of the butter bring out the best in the chicken, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor. By following these steps, you’ll recreate a mouth-watering roast chicken just like the one in the image—complete with crispy skin, juicy meat, and savory herb flavors.
Enjoy your meal and happy roasting!
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