This Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Citrus and Garlic is a beautifully roasted whole chicken infused with fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and rich garlic butter. With crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat, this dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Golden Skin – Basting with herb butter ensures a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Juicy and Flavorful Meat – The combination of butter, citrus, and garlic keeps the chicken incredibly moist.
- Simple Yet Elegant – A stunning centerpiece for any meal with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner.
- Naturally Aromatic – Fresh thyme, sage, rosemary, and citrus create a wonderful fragrance as the chicken roasts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Aromatics:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 head garlic, halved
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet.
Make the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Season the Chicken:
- Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers underneath it.
- Rub the herb butter underneath the skin and all over the surface of the chicken.
Stuff the Cavity:
- Place half of the orange and lemon slices along with half of the garlic head inside the chicken cavity.
Arrange Aromatics:
- Scatter the remaining citrus slices, garlic, and fresh herbs around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
- The chicken is done when an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Roasted Chicken – Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a slight kick.
- Garlic-Lover’s Version – Double the garlic and roast extra whole garlic cloves around the chicken for a deeper flavor.
- Honey Citrus Glaze – Brush the chicken with 1 tablespoon honey mixed with lemon juice during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Herb Substitutions – Swap parsley, oregano, or marjoram for a different herb profile.
- Lemon-Only Version – If you prefer a sharper citrus note, use only lemons instead of oranges.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried sage, and ½ teaspoon dried rosemary instead of fresh.
How do I get crispy skin?
Pat the chicken very dry before applying butter, and roast uncovered for the entire cooking time.
What if I don’t have a roasting pan?
You can roast the chicken in a cast-iron skillet, baking dish, or Dutch oven.
Should I truss the chicken?
Trussing helps the chicken cook evenly but isn’t necessary. If you prefer, tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Can I cook this at a different temperature?
Yes! Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 1 hour for a crispier, faster cook.
What can I serve with this chicken?
Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use this recipe for a turkey?
Yes! Adjust cooking time based on the turkey’s weight (typically 15 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C)).
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Baste the chicken with pan juices and don’t overcook—check with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes! Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and reduce the cooking time to 45-50 minutes.
How do I make the pan juices into gravy?
Strain the drippings, whisk in 1 tablespoon flour, and simmer until thickened for a delicious citrus-herb gravy.
Conclusion
This Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Citrus and Garlic is a flavorful, juicy, and aromatic dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting Sunday dinner. With buttery, crispy skin and tender, herb-infused meat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy an elegant yet easy-to-make roast chicken!
