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Dinner

Simple Garlic Butter Roast Chicken

A classic roast chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any family dinner.

By Daily Recipes Bookยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท August 7, 2026
Simple Garlic Butter Roast Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
75 minutes
Total
90 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like the smell of a whole chicken roasting in the oven to make a house feel like a home. This recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it uses just a few simple pantry ingredients to create a golden, crispy skin and tender meat every single time.

My best advice for this dish is to let the chicken rest for at least ten minutes before you carve into it. This step ensures that all those delicious juices stay inside the meat instead of running out onto your cutting board.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole roasting chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin gets nice and crispy.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breast and rub half of the butter mixture underneath. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the bird.

  5. 5

    Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves and the onion pieces.

  6. 6

    Place the chicken in a roasting pan and cook for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

  7. 7

    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also save the carcass to make a wonderful homemade chicken stock later in the week.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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