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If there’s one dish that never fails to impress family and friends, it’s a perfectly roasted chicken. For me, the lemon and herb butter roast chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the fresh zing of lemon, the earthiness of fresh herbs, and the buttery, golden skin that makes everyone reach for seconds. This recipe has been a game-changer for my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why I Love This Recipe
When I prepare this dish, the house fills with the warm, aromatic scent of herbs and garlic, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. I love how simple it is to make, yet it looks (and tastes) like a gourmet masterpiece. Whether I’m hosting a dinner party or whipping up a special Sunday meal for my family, this lemon herb roast chicken recipe always delivers.
The Secret to Perfection
One of the secrets I swear by is the butter-herb mixture. Spreading it under the skin ensures the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor. Adding lemon zest and garlic to the mix gives the chicken a bright, citrusy lift that pairs beautifully with the rich, roasted meat. And don’t skip the basting—it keeps the skin golden and crisp while infusing even more flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
This roast chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fluffy mashed potatoes, or even a light salad like my Mediterranean chickpea salad. The flavors are versatile, making it perfect for any occasion.
Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Whole roasting chicken
- Pinch Sea salt
- Pinch Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 60 Grams Unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons rosemary chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Thyme leaves chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh parsley leaves chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Lemon zest only
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Remove the giblets and any excess fat from the chicken cavity. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting dish and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Pinch Sea salt, Pinch Freshly ground black pepper, 60 Grams Unsalted butter, 2 Tablespoons rosemary, 2 Tablespoons Thyme leaves, 2 Tablespoons Fresh parsley leaves, 3 Cloves Garlic, 1 Lemon
- Carefully loosen the skin from the chicken’s breast meat using your fingers. Spread half of the butter mixture under the skin, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Secure the skin with wooden picks.
- Spread the remaining butter mixture over the rest of the chicken, and season the outside with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Baste the chicken halfway through cooking. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- For a crispy skin, make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels before roasting.
- You can also add a few lemon wedges inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, check the doneness of the chicken by piercing the thigh with a skewer, if the juices run clear, it’s cooked!
- Feel free to use other herbs like sage or tarragon to switch things up.
Nutrition
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Once you try this Lemon Herb Roast Chicken Recipe, I guarantee it will become a staple in your kitchen too. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to serve for special occasions.
If you love this recipe, check out my other dinner favorites, like my Marry Me Chicken or our collection of heartwarming roast recipes. Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media, I’d love to see how your roast chicken turns out!
Now, get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of lemon and herbs. Happy cooking!
Made this last night and it was a total hit! The butter herb mixture under the skin kept the chicken super juicy and the lemon gave it such a fresh flavor. Definitely adding this to my regular rotation!