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overhead view of Lemon Herb Butter Roast Chicken on Baking Dish
Olga

Lemon Herb Butter Roast Chicken (Whole Chicken Recipe)

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This lemon herb butter roast chicken is baked in a Dutch oven with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Tender inside, golden on top, and perfect for dinner or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 whole pasture-raised air-chilled chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Herbs
  • 1 sprig rosemary chopped
  • 1 sprig thyme chopped
For Serving
  • Juice of ½ lemon for finishing the gravy

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Knife and Cutting Board

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Clean and pat the chicken dry. Chop the herbs and soften the butter.
Instructions
  1. Place the chicken in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with thyme, rosemary, onion powder, and salt. Rub the mixture all over the chicken so it’s evenly coated.
    Lemon Herb Butter Roast Chicken buttered overhead
  3. Cover with the lid and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove the lid and set the oven to low broil. Baste the chicken with the pan juices and cook uncovered for another 25 to 30 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Take the chicken out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pan drippings, stir, and pour the warm gravy over the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 40gFat: 22g

Notes

Tips

  • Use air-chilled chicken for crisp skin and clean flavor
  • Fresh herbs add the most aroma, but dried herbs work too
  • Always add fresh lemon juice at the end to lift the flavor of the sauce
  • Let the chicken rest before carving to keep it juicy
  • Spoon the pan juices over the top before serving for extra flavor

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