This Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Chicken is succulent and golden, with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Infused with rich garlic butter and roasted on a bed of onions, it’s a savory, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Chicken is a showstopper, offering both incredible flavor and a beautifully golden, crispy exterior. The garlic butter baste infuses the chicken with savory richness, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Roasting it on a bed of onions adds extra depth to the dish, making it a comforting and juicy meal. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply treating yourself to a satisfying roasted chicken, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or rosemary)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Basting:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place it in a large cast-iron skillet or roasting pan.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the garlic butter mixture generously all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Place the quartered onion in the skillet around the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor as it roasts. Optionally, pour a little chicken broth or wine into the skillet for added moisture during roasting.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the Chicken:
- During roasting, baste the chicken every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices to ensure a juicy, golden skin.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
- Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted onions and extra garlic butter drizzled over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano in place of thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic butter for a touch of heat.
- Lemon Herb Butter: Mix in some lemon zest and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the butter for a zesty twist.
- Vegetable Side: Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes around the chicken while roasting for a one-pan meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan besides a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, you can use any oven-safe roasting pan or baking dish. A cast-iron skillet works well for even heat distribution, but other pans will work just fine.
How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?
Make sure to dry the chicken well with paper towels before roasting. The garlic butter will help achieve a crispy skin, but basting with pan juices throughout cooking also helps.
Can I cook the chicken at a lower temperature?
Roasting the chicken at a higher temperature (425°F/220°C) ensures crispy skin. You can roast at a lower temperature (e.g., 375°F/190°C) for a longer time, but the skin may not be as crispy.
What should I do if the chicken is getting too brown?
If the chicken is getting too dark before it reaches the desired internal temperature, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the inside cooks through.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before roasting. Cooking frozen chicken without thawing may result in uneven cooking.
Can I make this recipe with chicken parts (e.g., thighs or breasts)?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly: thighs will take about 35-40 minutes, and breasts will take about 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Yes, you can add root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or parsnips around the chicken while it roasts. The vegetables will soak up the delicious chicken juices as it cooks.
How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use other seasonings for the chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a dry rub of your choice.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. With its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich garlic butter flavor, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a special family meal. Roasted on a bed of onions and basted with savory juices, this chicken is sure to become a go-to recipe for delicious, easy meals that everyone will love.
Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Chicken
A succulent whole roasted chicken, perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, infused with rich garlic butter and roasted on a bed of onions for an incredibly flavorful, juicy meal. The garlic butter basting ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (or rosemary)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For basting:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place it in a large cast-iron skillet or roasting pan.
- Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Season the chicken: Rub the garlic butter mixture generously all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary.
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the quartered onion in the skillet around the chicken. This will infuse the chicken with extra flavor as it roasts. Optionally, pour a little chicken broth or wine into the skillet for added moisture during roasting.
- Roast the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the chicken: During roasting, baste the chicken every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices to ensure a juicy, golden skin.
- Rest the chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices inside the meat.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted onions and extra garlic butter drizzled over the top.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a little more garlic or a splash of white wine to the garlic butter mixture.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken with the garlic butter for a few hours before roasting.
- Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg