If you are on the hunt for a comforting yet impressive meal to share with family or friends, look no further because this Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe will steal your heart. Imagine a golden, crispy-skinned chicken infused with a perfect balance of sweet honey, fragrant herbs, and rich garlic butter—each bite bursting with flavor that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. This recipe is one of those dishes that comes together with simple ingredients but delivers a culinary experience worthy of any special occasion or cozy weeknight dinner alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in layering those mouthwatering flavors that make this chicken a standout. From the fragrant Italian seasoning to the luscious honey butter blend, these essentials set the stage for a crispy, juicy bird that’s as beautiful to serve as it is to savor.
- 1 whole roasting chicken (3-4 lbs): The star of the show, offering juicy meat and skin that crisps to perfection.
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, creamy coating that locks in moisture and carries the herbs beautifully.
- 2 tsp Nates 100 percent Pure Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes to give the chicken a glorious golden crust.
- 2 tsp lemon pepper: Provides a zesty, bright punch that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: The perfect aromatic blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean charm.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory depth with an irresistible garlicky warmth.
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor in the dish.
How to Make Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to a high 450 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to give your chicken that initial blast of heat, helping to render the skin crisp and flavorful. Place your whole chicken in a 9×13 inch pan for stability, and pat it dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for crisp skin because moisture is the enemy of crunch!
Step 2: Whip Up That Magical Butter Blend
Next, mix the softened butter, honey, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt together until you’ve got a luscious, fragrant compound butter. This mixture is the heart of the Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe as it imparts layers of flavor and keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Be generous rubbing it over the entire bird, making sure to get under the skin where possible for maximum impact.
Step 3: Roast at High Heat for a Perfect Start
Pop the chicken uncovered into your sizzling hot oven and roast for 10 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This technique kickstarts the browning process, setting that brilliant golden crust you’ll want to show off at the table.
Step 4: Lower Temperature and Continue Roasting
After the first 10 minutes, reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let the chicken roast for another 50 to 60 minutes. To avoid the legs drying out while the rest cooks, cover them loosely with foil about halfway through. Your goal is to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees in the breast, ensuring perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, resist the temptation to carve immediately. Let your chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes—this final step lets the juices redistribute so every bite is moist, tender, and bursting with that signature garlic herb honey butter flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add a pop of freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the roasted chicken. Thin lemon slices also brighten the plate, complementing the lemon pepper seasoning perfectly and giving a fresh visual contrast to that rich, golden skin.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a cozy family dinner, consider roasted root vegetables or creamy polenta that will soak up the delicious pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of something a bit more special? Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice with a drizzle of pan juices and a sprinkle of toasted almonds. For a rustic charm, carve at the table right in front of your guests, letting the aroma fill the room with mouthwatering anticipation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining much of their delicious flavor and moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover roasted chicken by placing chopped pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to label it and use within 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
To bring your roasted chicken back to life, reheat gently in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) covered with foil to keep it moist, or warm slices in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the meat and lose the magic of the Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Fresh chicken is preferable for this Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe to get the best crispy skin and texture; however, if using frozen, be sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before prepping.
Do I need to baste the chicken during roasting?
No basting is necessary thanks to the rich butter mixture that keeps the chicken moist, but you can brush the chicken with pan juices once or twice toward the end for extra flavor if you like.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast; it should read 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safe and juicy chicken according to this Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe.
Can I substitute the seasonings in the butter mix?
Absolutely! While this blend is a favorite, feel free to swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or try smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
How do I get extra crispy skin?
Pat the chicken skin very dry before applying the butter mixture, and roast at the high temperature initially as this recipe instructs—both are key steps to achieving that golden, crackly skin you’ll love.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe is truly a gift when you want to make something impressive but straightforward. Its harmony of sweet, herbaceous, and savory flavors paired with juicy meat and crisp skin will easily become your go-to comfort food. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those simple ingredients, and prepare to wow everyone at your table with a dish that tastes as delicious as it looks.
Print
Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 whole chicken (serves 4-6)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Herb Honey Butter Roasted Chicken delivers a perfect blend of savory herbs and sweet honey, roasted to juicy perfection in just about an hour. The flavorful butter rub infuses the whole chicken, resulting in crispy skin and tender, aromatic meat that’s ideal for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole roasting chicken, around 3-4 lbs
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp Nates 100 percent Pure Honey
- 2 tsp lemon pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Place your chicken in a 9 x 13 inch pan and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Make the Garlic Herb Honey Butter: Whip together the softened butter, Nates 100% pure honey, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with deep flavor and help achieve a golden skin.
- Apply the Butter Rub: Rub the butter mixture all over the entire chicken, making sure to coat the skin evenly and get some under the skin for maximum flavor penetration.
- Start Roasting at High Heat: Roast the chicken uncovered at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes. This high temperature jump-starts browning and crisping of the skin.
- Continue Roasting at Lower Temperature: Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and roast uncovered for an additional 50-60 minutes. About halfway through, cover the chicken legs loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out while the breast finishes cooking. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful roast.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F before resting.
- Resting is essential to keep the chicken juicy; do not skip this step.
- You can add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary under the butter for an extra burst of freshness.
- Allow the butter to soften to room temperature for easier mixing and spreading.
- For crispier skin, ensure the chicken skin is as dry as possible before applying the butter.
