Elegant Lemon Herb Roast Chicken with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, 3-4 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 unit lemon, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup fresh thyme, leaves only
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Method

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 02
   Rinse the chicken inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. 03
   Rub the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. 04
   Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon and half of the minced garlic.
5. 05
   In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the remaining minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves.
6. 06
   Carefully lift the skin over the breasts and spread the garlic butter mixture evenly under the skin.
7. 07
   Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
8. 08
   Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 75 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.
9. 09
   Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
10. 10
    Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.