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Butter Roast Chicken with Citrus and Garlic


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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A beautifully roasted whole chicken infused with citrus, garlic, and rich herb butter, creating an incredibly juicy and flavorful dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or a cozy fall meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (45 lbs)
  • 1/4 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 head garlic, halved
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prep the Chicken:

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
  • Make the Herb Butter:

    • In a small bowl, mix butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and black pepper until combined.
  • Loosen the Skin & Apply Butter:

    • Carefully lift the skin of the chicken and rub the herb butter underneath, spreading it evenly over the breast meat.
    • Rub any remaining butter over the outside 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:

    • Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.
    • The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Rest & Serve:

    • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.

Notes

  • Extra Crispy Skin: Roast at 400°F (200°C) for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted potatoes, stuffing, or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftover Idea: Shred the chicken for sandwiches, salads, or soups the next day.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American