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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: A 4-5 lb chicken is perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use chicken parts like breasts or thighs, but cooking time will vary.
Garlic: Eight cloves give a rich flavor, but you can adjust based on your taste. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works too; about 1 teaspoon equals one clove.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. You can use olive oil for a healthier alternative or if you want a dairy-free option.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add great flavor! If unavailable, dried herbs work too. Just remember to use less: 1 tablespoon of dried equals 2 tablespoons fresh.
Mixed Vegetables: Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or zucchini can also work well!
How Do You Infuse Flavor Under Chicken Skin?
Loosening the skin helps infuse the chicken with flavor, keeping it moist. This crucial step makes a big difference. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
- Pat the chicken dry to promote browning.
- Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the breasts and thighs. Work slowly!
- Spread half of the garlic butter mixture under the skin. This adds moisture and flavor right where it counts.
For the best results, apply the remaining butter on the outside. Roasting it at a high temperature helps achieve that irresistible golden brown skin.
How to Make Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, and onions, cut into chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious roasted chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes to cook. Plus, you’ll need an extra 10-15 minutes for the chicken to rest after cooking. Overall, you can enjoy a mouth-watering meal in just over 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First thing’s first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help give your chicken a beautiful golden brown crust.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sprinkle in some salt and black pepper. This flavorful garlic butter mixture will be key to making your chicken delicious!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Now, carefully loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and thighs using your fingers. Be gentle—this will help the garlic butter flavor get right into the meat.
4. Apply the Garlic Butter:
Pour about half of your garlic butter mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly so every bite is tasty. Then, take the rest of the mixture and rub it all over the outside of the chicken.
5. Add Lemon Juice:
Squeeze the juice from one half of the lemon over the chicken. Then, take the halved lemon and place it inside the cavity of the chicken. This will add extra flavor as it roasts!
6. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large baking dish or roasting pan, toss your mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them around the chicken in the pan. They’ll soak up all the yummy juices as they cook!
7. Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken in the center of the pan over the vegetables. Now, it’s time to roast! Place it in your preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
8. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This resting time is important as it allows the juices to settle back into the chicken, making it juicy and delicious!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carve the chicken and serve it up with the roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle some of those tasty pan drippings over the chicken for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious oven-roasted garlic butter chicken!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs and drumsticks for a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking time to about 35-45 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh rosemary and thyme, you can use dried herbs instead. Use 1 tablespoon of each dried herb to substitute. Just add them to the melted garlic butter as you mix it together.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it for a quicker option.
Can I Prep This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and even season the chicken the night before. Just keep it covered in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps cook it evenly!