Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken


Golden, zesty, and oh-so-tender! Make your meals unforgettable with this lemon and herb butter roast chicken recipe.


Published: January 27, 2025 · Modified: January 27, 2025 by Jennifer Ryan


Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

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.

Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

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.

Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

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
Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

Jennifer Ryan
Elevate dinner with our lemon and herb butter roast chicken recipe! Juicy, golden, and bursting with fresh lemon and herb flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 6
Calories 342 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
    Preheat oven 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees
  • 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
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • 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.
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • Secure the skin with wooden picks.
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • Spread the remaining butter mixture over the rest of the chicken, and season the outside with salt and pepper.
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • Baste the chicken halfway through cooking. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carving and serving.
    Lemon and Herb Butter Roast Chicken

Notes

Tips and Tricks
  • 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

Calories: 342kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 23gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 112mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 288mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 665IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken, chicken dinner, chicken recipes, cooking from scratch, healthy, healthy chicken recipes, healthy dinner, roast dinner, roast dinner ideas, Sunday roast
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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.

Marry Me Chicken

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!