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Test Kitchen herb-roasted chicken with crisp golden skin served on a white plate

The Ultimate Herb-Roasted Chicken

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A classic, foolproof recipe for a whole roasted chicken featuring fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and incredibly crispy skin.

  • Total Time: 95 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
2 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, halved
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and rub half the butter mixture underneath; rub the rest all over the exterior.
Step 5: Place lemon halves and extra herbs inside the cavity.
Step 6: Roast for 75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Step 7: Let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

For even crispier skin, let the chicken sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 2 hours before roasting.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: French-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 chicken
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg