Ingredients
– 1 large roasting chicken (about 9 pounds)
– 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, or a poultry herb blend), plus additional herb stems for the cavity
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
– 1/2 of a large onion, cut into quarter-inch vertical slices
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced including leaves
– Rind of one lemon, peeled into pieces
– Water as needed
Instructions
1-Remove giblets from the chicken cavity, rinse chicken with cold water, and pat dry thoroughly.
2-Combine softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to create an herb butter mixture.
3-Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
4-Arrange most of the vegetables at the bottom of a roasting pan and place a flat rack on top.
5-Place the chicken on the rack, filling the cavity with reserved vegetables, herb sprigs, and lemon rind without overfilling. Scatter some around the chicken as well.
6-Tuck the wing tips securely under the bird.
7-Gently separate the skin from the meat using your fingers and a spoon without tearing the skin.
8-Spread half of the herb butter evenly under the skin.
9-Spread the remaining butter mixture over the top of the chicken skin.
10-Tie the chicken legs together tightly with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
11-Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and set an alarm to 160ยฐF (71ยฐC).
12-Roast the chicken uncovered for 45 minutes, then add 2 cups (about 480 ml) of water to the pan.
13-Continue roasting for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, adding water as needed to keep the pan moist and prevent burning. Tent the chicken with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
14-When the thermometer reads 160ยฐF, remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 20 minutes; the internal temperature will rise to 165ยฐF (74ยฐC), the safe cooking temperature.
15-Remove the thermometer and foil, carve the chicken, and serve.
Last Step:
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๐ฟ Use fresh herbs and softened butter to maximize flavor infusion.
๐ Keep the chicken elevated on a rack above vegetables to add aroma and avoid sogginess.
โฒ๏ธ Rest the chicken tented in foil to lock in juices and allow even finishing of cooking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Roasting time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
