Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken – Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful

This Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that yields perfectly tender and juicy chicken every time. Coated with a flavorful garlic and herb butter, the chicken roasts to a golden brown with crispy skin. Stuffed with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon, this chicken bursts with aromatic flavors. It's a versatile meal for weeknights, family dinners, or any special occasion. To make this dish even easier, you can substitute the herbs for any of your favorites, like Italian seasoning or thyme and oregano.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (5 lb)
  
  

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  
  

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  
  

• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
  
  

• 1 lemon, quartered
  
  

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  
  

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  
  

• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
  
  

• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
  
  

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If brining the chicken, follow brining instructions and pat dry with paper towels afterward.
   
   

2. Tuck the chicken wings underneath the chicken breast. Stuff the chicken cavity with rosemary, thyme sprigs, onion, and lemon quarters. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine.
   
   

3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic, minced thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper.
   
   

4. Loosen the skin on the chicken breast and rub the butter mixture under the skin, as well as on the outside of the chicken.
   
   

5. Place the prepared chicken in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
   
   

6. If the skin begins to darken too much, cover the chicken with foil and continue roasting.
   
   

7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with the pan drippings.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 404 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 3g
  
  

• Protein: 34g
  
  

• Fat: 28g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 15g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 166mg
  
  

• Sodium: 228mg
  
  

• Potassium: 394mg
  
  

• Sugar: 1g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 705 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 16.3mg
  
  

• Calcium: 35mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg