Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs is the epitome of comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken seasoned with fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and other herbs, all roasted to perfection. This dish is simple, yet packed with rich flavors that make it a classic choice for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to indulge in a flavorful, home-cooked meal. With crispy skin and moist meat, this roasted chicken will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. The best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe calls for just a few basic ingredients—garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a whole chicken—making it an affordable and accessible option for any home cook.

2. Flavorful and Aromatic

The combination of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon infuses the chicken with incredible flavors, creating a fragrant and aromatic roast that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering smells.

3. Juicy and Tender

Roasting the chicken whole allows it to cook evenly, ensuring the meat stays juicy and tender while the skin crisps up beautifully, giving you the perfect bite.

4. Versatile

Serve it with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The chicken is great for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

5. Easy to Prepare

With just a few steps and minimal prep, you can have a beautifully roasted chicken on the table in no time. The cooking process is largely hands-off, allowing you to focus on other things while the chicken roasts.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Roasted Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Herb Butter (optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

• Spicy Roasted Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter or rub chili powder on the skin for a touch of heat.
• Herb Mix: Experiment with other fresh herbs like sage, oregano, or tarragon to create your preferred flavor profile.
• Citrusy Twist: For extra brightness, add orange zest or a squeeze of orange juice to the chicken before roasting.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the giblets from the chicken (if included) and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken will help achieve crispy skin.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub the entire chicken with olive oil, making sure to coat it evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves inside the chicken cavity, then place the lemon halves into the cavity along with the halved garlic head, fresh rosemary, and thyme sprigs.

Step 3: Optional Herb Butter

For extra flavor, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter under the skin, especially over the breasts and thighs. This will infuse the meat with extra moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan or baking dish. If you don’t have a rack, you can place the chicken directly on the pan, but a rack helps circulate air for even cooking. Roast the chicken for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear. If you want extra crispy skin, increase the heat to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Carve and Serve

After resting, carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes. You can also drizzle any pan drippings over the chicken for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch. If using dried, reduce the quantity by half.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Allow space around the chicken so that the heat can circulate evenly, ensuring the skin gets crispy all over.
• Let the Chicken Rest: This is an important step that ensures the juices stay inside the chicken, rather than spilling out when you carve it.
• Check for Doneness: To be sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

How to Serve

Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips are all great choices.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side to serve with roasted chicken.
• Rice: Pair the chicken with wild rice, brown rice, or a pilaf for a complete meal.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad can balance the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for sandwiches, salads, or as an addition to soups and stews.

Freezing

If you have leftover roasted chicken, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, remove the meat from the bones, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quicker option, though the oven will help preserve the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the pieces. Boneless chicken breasts will cook faster, while bone-in pieces will take longer.

2. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use half the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

3. Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. The skin may not get crispy, but the chicken will be tender and flavorful.

4. How do I ensure the skin stays crispy?

Make sure the chicken is dry before roasting. You can also increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes to help crisp up the skin.

5. How do I carve a roasted chicken?

Start by removing the legs and thighs, then carve the breast meat. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears for clean cuts.

6. Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?

Yes! You can add potatoes, carrots, or onions around the chicken in the pan, and they will roast in the chicken’s juices for extra flavor.

7. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.

8. Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the herb butter a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it soften before using.

9. Can I stuff the chicken with other ingredients?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken with other ingredients like vegetables, garlic, or fresh herbs, but be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

10. Can I roast the chicken without the skin?

Yes, you can remove the skin if you prefer, but the skin helps retain moisture and gives the chicken a crispy texture. Without it, the chicken may be a bit drier.

Conclusion

Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Herbs is a timeless recipe that delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The combination of fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon elevates this simple dish into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any night of the week!

Print