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Homemade Garlic-Butter Roast Chicken with Pan Drippings photo

Garlic-Butter Roast Chicken with Pan Drippings

This Garlic-Butter Roast Chicken is SO EASY! Juicy, crispy skin infused with herbs and garlic, finished with a rich pan drippings sauce perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds, fresh or thawed with skin on)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 lemon halved, for stuffing inside chicken cavity
  • 1 onion quartered, for placing under the chicken
  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
  • Kitchen twine
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush or spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated and fragrant.
  2. Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity if present, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs without tearing.
  3. Spread about two-thirds of the garlic-butter mixture underneath the skin, smoothing it evenly over the meat. Use the remaining butter to rub all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Stuff the chicken cavity with the halved lemon and quartered onion. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body for even cooking.
  5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack inside the roasting pan or in an oven-safe skillet. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste halfway through roasting.
  6. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil to rest. Place the roasting pan with drippings on stovetop over medium heat. Add chicken broth, scraping browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens. Strain if desired.
  7. Carve the rested chicken into pieces and arrange on a platter. Drizzle pan drippings sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Softening butter to room temperature ensures easy mixing and smooth spreading under the skin.
  • Patting the chicken dry is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
  • Resting the chicken after roasting locks in juices and makes carving easier.
  • Fresh herbs intensify flavor more than dried herbs.
  • Simmer pan drippings with chicken broth to make a rich sauce without flour or cornstarch.