Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs Recipe

Flavorful Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Succulent roasted chicken with garlic and herbs promises a mouthwatering journey through rustic kitchen magic.

Friends always request this simple yet stunning dish when they visit.

Fragrant rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic infuse every tender morsel with incredible depth.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in this straightforward culinary experience.

Crispy golden skin and juicy meat make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Seasonal herbs from your garden or local market elevate this classic protein to something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this foolproof method for creating restaurant-quality roasted chicken at home.

Ingredients Needed For Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

Main Protein:
  • Whole Chicken: Juicy centerpiece of the dish, best when fresh and plump, preferably organic or free-range for richer flavor.
Herb and Seasoning Blend:
  • Butter, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley: Creamy and aromatic herbs that create a flavorful coating, fresh herbs provide more intense taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance overall taste and add subtle warmth to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, rich flavor and aromatic profile, fresh garlic cloves recommended.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics:
  • Lemon Halves: Adds bright citrus notes and helps tenderize the meat, fresh and ripe lemons work best.
  • Onion: Contributes sweet and savory undertones during roasting, sweet onion varieties preferred.
  • Carrots, Celery: Create a flavorful base for roasting, adding moisture and subtle vegetable essence.
  • Chicken Broth or White Wine: Provides moisture and depth to the pan, helps create delicious pan drippings.

How To Make Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a whole chicken and use paper towels to give it a thorough pat-down, making sure it’s completely dry. This secret trick helps create that irresistible crispy skin everyone loves.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Herb Butter

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped rosemary
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Gently slide your fingers under the chicken’s skin and massage the herb butter directly onto the meat. Slather the remaining butter all over the outside, creating a mouthwatering golden coat.

Step 3: Give the Chicken Some Love

Tuck these flavor bombs inside the chicken cavity:
  • Halved lemon
  • Quartered onion

If you’re feeling fancy, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. This helps the chicken cook evenly and look professionally prepared.

Step 4: Set Up the Roasting Stage

Create a veggie bed in your roasting pan with:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Chopped celery

Nestle the chicken on top, breast facing upward. Pour some chicken broth or white wine into the pan for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Start with a high-heat blast at 425F for 15 minutes. Then drop the temperature to 375F (190C). Keep roasting for about 1 to 1.25 hours. Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with those delicious pan juices. Pro tip: The chicken is ready when the thickest part of the thigh hits 165F (75C).

Step 6: Let It Rest and Feast

Pull the chicken out of the oven and let it chill for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly juicy. Carve it up and drizzle with pan drippings or whip up a quick gravy. Your taste buds are in for a treat!

Pro Tips For Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

  • Ensure Crispy Skin: Pat chicken completely dry before applying herb butter to guarantee golden, crunchy exterior.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Gently massage herb butter under the skin to guarantee deep, aromatic seasoning throughout the meat.
  • Perfect Moisture Control: Baste chicken regularly during roasting to maintain juiciness and prevent drying out.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, ensuring chicken is fully cooked without overcooking.
  • Adaptable Ingredient Swap: Replace herb butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives for vegan diets.

How To Store Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap Properly: Wrap chicken pieces tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm chicken in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to preserve moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent dryness.
  • Revive Moisture: Drizzle a little chicken broth or water over the chicken before reheating to keep meat juicy and tender.

What Pairs With Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

  • Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this herb-infused roasted chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully complements the herb butter's delicate flavors and cuts through the richness of the dish.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside caramelized root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes, creating a harmonious blend of roasted flavors that echo the chicken's herbal notes.
  • Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light green salad with fresh parsley, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, zesty contrast to the deep, roasted chicken flavors.
  • Enhance with Rustic Bread: Offer crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious pan drippings, adding a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Ways To Spice Up Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap rosemary and thyme with oregano, add kalamata olives inside the cavity, and sprinkle feta cheese over the roasted chicken for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace herb butter with chipotle-lime butter, stuff the cavity with jalapeños and cilantro, and serve with a zesty salsa verde for a bold Mexican-style chicken.
  • Asian Fusion Feast: Create a ginger-soy marinade, stuff the cavity with lemongrass and green onions, and brush with a honey-sriracha glaze during the last 15 minutes of roasting for an exciting Asian-inspired dish.
  • Smoky BBQ Transformation: Mix smoked paprika into the butter, use bourbon instead of white wine, add wood chips for extra smokiness, and finish with a tangy homemade barbecue sauce drizzled over the crispy skin.

FAQs About Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs

  • What makes the herb butter special in this roasted chicken recipe?

The herb butter combines butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, plus garlic and paprika. This mixture creates a deeply flavorful coating that infuses the chicken with rich, aromatic taste and helps create a crispy, golden skin.

  • Why should I pat the chicken dry before roasting?

Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden-brown skin. Wet skin steams instead of getting that beautiful, crunchy exterior that makes roasted chicken so delicious.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165F (75C). This ensures the meat is fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.

  • Can I skip trussing the chicken?

While trussing is optional, it helps the chicken cook more evenly by keeping the legs close to the body. If you don’t truss, the legs might cook faster than the breast, potentially leading to uneven cooking.

Why Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs Feels Like Home

  • Unleash Flavor Explosion: The herb butter packed with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley creates a mouthwatering taste that transforms an ordinary chicken into a gourmet masterpiece.
  • Master Easy Roasting Technique: This recipe offers foolproof cooking method with simple steps, making restaurant-quality roasted chicken accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Maximize Juicy Perfection: Carefully controlling oven temperature, basting regularly, and allowing chicken to rest ensures tender, succulent meat with crispy golden skin that seals in all delicious juices.
  • Create One-Pan Wonder: The recipe combines protein and vegetables in a single roasting pan, minimizing cleanup and delivering a complete meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
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Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs Recipe

Roasted Chicken With Garlic And Herbs Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent roasted chicken with garlic and herbs delivers Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Crisp skin, juicy meat, and aromatic herbs promise a delightful meal that will transport you to sun-drenched European kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 whole chicken (45 lbs / 20.4 kilograms), giblets removed

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 3 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425F (220C), ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated for optimal roasting conditions.
  2. Meticulously dry the entire chicken surface using paper towels, creating the perfect environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
  3. Craft a vibrant herb butter by blending softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika until thoroughly combined.
  4. Gently separate the chicken skin from the meat, carefully massaging the aromatic herb butter underneath to infuse deep flavor throughout the meat.
  5. Lavishly coat the chicken’s exterior with the remaining herb butter, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and beautiful golden coloration.
  6. Prepare the cavity by nestling fresh lemon halves and quartered onions, which will impart additional aromatic complexity during roasting.
  7. Secure the chicken’s shape by trussing the legs with kitchen twine, promoting even cooking and maintaining an elegant presentation.
  8. Create a flavorful foundation in the roasting pan by arranging a bed of chopped carrots and celery, which will absorb the delicious pan drippings.
  9. Position the chicken breast-side up on the vegetable base, then introduce a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the pan, enhancing moisture and flavor.
  10. Initiate roasting at 425F for an initial 15-minute high-heat blast, then reduce temperature to 375F for consistent, thorough cooking.
  11. Continue roasting for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, periodically basting with pan juices to maintain moisture and develop rich, caramelized notes.
  12. Verify doneness by confirming the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  13. Allow the roasted chicken to rest for 15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness when carved.
  14. Serve the succulent chicken alongside the aromatic pan drippings or a luxurious homemade gravy, presenting a truly memorable culinary experience.

Notes

  • Achieve ultra-crispy skin by thoroughly drying the chicken with paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
  • Customize herb butter by experimenting with different fresh herbs like sage, oregano, or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free and low-carb diets, replace traditional pan vegetables with low-carb alternatives like zucchini or bell peppers.
  • Prevent dry meat by using a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, removing chicken exactly at 165F to maintain juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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