Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken (Sunday Dinner)
Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken is a delightful centerpiece that transforms your Sunday dinner into an unforgettable feast. With its crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy meat infused with rich, aromatic herbs and roasted garlic, this dish will warm your heart and fill your home with mouthwatering scents. It’s the kind of meal that beckons family and friends to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter as they savor every bite.
Table of Contents
My first encounter with this roasted beauty was during a cozy Sunday afternoon with my family. The air was filled with the savory aroma of herbs wafting through the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere. This recipe is not just about good food; it’s about making memories, and I promise you’ll want to relish this heartwarming dish again and again. Why not roll up your sleeves and try this Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken for your next Sunday dinner? Let’s delve into the magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep and cook time are just about 90 minutes, making it attainable even for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The garlic and fresh herbs permeate the chicken, creating a symphony of taste that’s luxurious yet comforting.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, crispy skin makes for a stunning presentation — perfect for impressing your guests.
- Flexible Serving: This dish shines as the star of a family dinner or the main attraction at gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and adaptable for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can partake in flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (5-6 lbs): A bigger bird ensures juicy meat and crispy skin. Feel free to choose organic or free-range for added flavor.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: It enhances richness; however, unsalted can be substituted. Just adjust the salt in your rub.
- 1 tsp adobo: This seasoning adds a hint of smokiness and depth — a wonderful touch in any roasted dish!
- 2 tsp salt: Essential for flavoring, remember to taste and adjust as needed.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds warmth and color; smoked paprika is a fantastic alternative for extra flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: To enhance the garlic flavor; fresh garlic can be finely minced instead for a bolder result.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: A straightforward seasoning that complements the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 lemon, juiced: Provides a bright acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: The zest adds a punch of freshness throughout the cooking process.
- 4 sprigs thyme (chopped fine): Fresh thyme brings an earthy fragrance, perfectly suited for poultry.
- 4 sprigs rosemary (chopped fine): Its bushy leaves add an aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 4 sprigs oregano (chopped fine): A robust herb that complements the dish beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the skin crisp up and keeps the chicken moist. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
- 2 tsp paprika: For additional flavor and color with the chicken rub.
- 1 tsp salt: To season the bird thoroughly before cooking.
How to Make Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken (Sunday Dinner)
- Prep the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly patting dry your 5-6 lb whole chicken with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin during roasting.
- Make the Compound Butter: Mix 1/2 cup of room temperature salted butter with adobo, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. This aromatic butter will create a flavorful barrier under the chicken skin. Don’t forget to chill this mixture in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Chicken Rub: As your butter chills, drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the chicken. Rub it in so the chicken is nicely coated, which contributes to that crispy skin we’re aiming for.
- Apply the Compound Butter: Once your butter is firm, gently lift the skin of the chicken and smear the fragrant butter underneath. If it appears lumpy, that’s just what you want—it means you’ve packed in plenty of flavor!
- Roast the Chicken: Place your buttered chicken into a preheated oven at 350°F. Roast for about 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The scent will be mesmerizing!
- Baste and Crank Up the Heat: About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, carefully remove the buttery juices that have accumulated in the roasting pan. Drizzle those juices over the chicken and increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the last stretch. This will ensure a beautifully crisp skin that’s just begging to be devoured!
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature (about 2 hours max) before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. The texture may change slightly, but if you drizzle a little olive oil or broth over it as it reheats, you can resurrect the juiciness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Always pat the chicken dry; moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy spreading — cold butter will break the skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness; 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken is key to moisture.
- For more complex flavors, consider adding a few cloves of crushed garlic to the roasting pan.
- If you have time, let the seasoned chicken sit for a while at room temperature before roasting to promote even cooking.
- This chicken also tastes amazing in wraps or salads for the next day’s lunches.
Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The balance of savory garlic, vibrant herbs, and tender chicken is simply unbeatable. I encourage you to experiment with different herbs or spices to make the recipe your own. So gather your loved ones, serve this mouthwatering beauty, and enjoy the flavors and memories it will create!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! While fresh herbs offer a vibrant flavor, you can use dried herbs if that’s what you have. Just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more potent. So, if you need dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano, use about 1 teaspoon each.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; when it reaches 165°F, it’s good to go. Additionally, the juices should run clear when you poke the chicken.
What should I serve with Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance the richness. A side of crusty bread is also delightful to soak up all those delicious juices!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and apply the compound butter a few hours ahead of time. Just cover it and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast. This can also help the flavors meld beautifully before cooking.
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📖 Recipe Card
Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken (Sunday Dinner)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Roasted Garlic & Herb Whole Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring a juicy chicken coated in savory garlic, herbs, and butter. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken 5-6 lbs is best
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 tsp adobo
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 springs thyme chopped fine
- 4 sprigs rosemary chopped fine
- 4 sprigs oregano chopped fine
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tsps paprika
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep the whole chicken by patting it dry.
- Prepare the compound butter by mixing room temperature butter with all compound butter ingredients, then chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- While the butter chills, create the chicken rub and coat the chicken thoroughly with the olive oil.
- After the butter firms up, smear it under the chicken skin, ensuring it's spread evenly.
- Cook the chicken at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Ten minutes before the chicken is done, remove the butter juices, pour them over the chicken, and increase the temperature to 400 degrees for enhanced flavor.
Notes
Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before applying the rub for the best results.
Feel free to customize the herbs based on your preference or availability.
Make sure to check the internal temperature to assure proper cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 65g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
