Herb-Roasted Chicken Recipe

Last updated on February 24th, 2025

Herb-roasted chicken makes any holiday meal feel cozy and special. While turkey often gets more attention, roast chicken is easier to cook and costs less for holiday dinners. The mix of crunchy, brown skin and juicy, flavorful meat, seasoned with tasty herbs, makes a dish that looks good and tastes great. Also, it goes well with many different side dishes, making it a good main course for your special meal. Let’s cook!

Recipe

Ingredients

(For 4-5 guests, multiply as needed)

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
3. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken breast and thighs with your fingers, being careful not to tear it.
4. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter mixture under the skin, distributing it as evenly as possible.
5. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered lemon and halved head of garlic.
7. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
8. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet.
9. Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
10. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes during cooking.
11. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Tips and Tricks

1. Room temperature: Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for more even roasting.
2. Dry for crispy skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for extra crispy skin.
3. A truss for even cooking: Trussing the chicken helps it cook more evenly and makes for a more attractive presentation.
4. Basting: While basting adds flavor, don’t open the oven too frequently as it lowers the temperature and increases cooking time.
5. Resting: Don’t skip the resting period. It allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring moist meat.
6. Multiple chickens: For larger groups, roast multiple chickens rather than one very large one. This ensures more even cooking and provides more of the prized crispy skin.
7. Use a thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness.

How to Serve

Presenting and serving herb-roasted chicken can be both rustic and elegant:

1. Place the whole roasted chicken on a large platter, surrounded by roasted vegetables or fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.
2. Carve the chicken at the table for a dramatic effect, or pre-carve in the kitchen for easier serving.
3. Arrange the carved pieces on a warm platter, drizzling with some of the pan juices to keep the meat moist.
4. Serve alongside complementary side dishes such as:
   • Roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic
   • A medley of roasted root vegetables
   • Green beans almondine
   • A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette
   • Cranberry sauce for a festive touch
5. Offer dinner rolls or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious juices.
6. Don’t forget to serve the roasted garlic from the cavity – it’s delicious spread on bread.
7. A gravy made from the pan drippings can be served on the side for those who prefer it.

Herb-Roasted Chicken: The Holiday Hero

Its crispy skin and juicy meat flavored with fresh herbs look and taste great. Roast chicken is easy to make and familiar to most people, but can be dressed up for special meals. It’s smaller than turkey, good for small groups or when you want different main dishes. Tasty and nice looking, it is a good choice for holiday meals.

Print