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There’s something irresistible about the aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s infusing a perfectly roasted chicken. If you’re searching for a dinner that’ll make everyone at the table fall silent (except for the occasional “mmm”), look no further than this Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken. This recipe transforms an ordinary chicken into a showstopping meal with crispy skin, tender meat, and a flavor profile that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
The beauty of this Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken isn’t just in its incredible taste—it’s also surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal prep work but delivering maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just elevating your weeknight dinner game, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients List
For this mouth-watering Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken, you’ll need:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds), patted dry
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 lemon, zested and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped (optional)
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
Ingredient Substitutions:
- If butter is a concern, try ghee for a similar richness with less lactose
- For a dairy-free version, use herb-infused olive oil instead of butter
- No fresh herbs? Dried herbs work well, just use 1/3 the amount
- Chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, drumsticks) can be used instead of a whole chicken; just adjust cooking time accordingly
Timing
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (includes making the garlic butter and preparing the chicken)
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F)
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
This Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken comes together 25% faster than traditional roast chicken recipes that often require brining or marinating beforehand, making it perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high initial temperature is crucial for achieving that gorgeous, crispy skin. Take your chicken out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.
While waiting, prepare your garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. The warmth of your hands helps blend the ingredients if the butter isn’t quite soft enough.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels—this is a game-changer for achieving crispy skin! Season the cavity with the remaining salt and pepper. Place the quartered onion, lemon halves, and the head of garlic inside the cavity. If the cavity is small, don’t force everything in; just use what fits comfortably.
Step 3: Apply the Garlic Butter
Here’s where the magic happens! Gently loosen the skin from the chicken breast and thighs without tearing it. Using your fingers, spread about two-thirds of the garlic butter mixture under the skin, distributing it as evenly as possible. This infuses the meat directly with flavor as it cooks.
Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken. Make sure to cover all surfaces for maximum flavor. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and give it a final seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan
If using, arrange the chopped carrots and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan. This creates a flavorful “rack” for the chicken to sit on, allowing air to circulate while the vegetables absorb the delicious drippings. Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables or on a rack in your roasting pan.
Pour the chicken broth or white wine into the bottom of the pan (not over the chicken). This creates steam to help keep the chicken moist and prevents the drippings from burning.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes at 425°F to get the skin browning nicely. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for approximately 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
Pro tip: Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 20 minutes for extra flavor and to help maintain moisture.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
While the chicken rests, you can use the pan drippings to make a quick gravy if desired, or simply spoon them over the carved chicken before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Potassium: 320mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
These values will vary depending on the exact size of your chicken and how much skin you consume. Removing the skin significantly reduces the fat and calorie content.
Healthier Alternatives for Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
Want to enjoy this delicious Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with a healthier twist? Try these modifications:
- Reduce the butter: Use 4 tablespoons instead of 8, and supplement with 2 tablespoons of chicken broth for moisture
- Choose olive oil: Replace half the butter with heart-healthy olive oil
- Skinless option: Remove the skin after cooking to cut down on fat (though you’ll miss out on that crispy texture)
- Herb boost: Double the herbs to intensify flavor without adding calories
- Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and adjust cooking time to about 45-50 minutes
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables in the roasting pan for added nutrition and to absorb some of the fat
- Spice it up: Add paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes to boost metabolism and add flavor without calories
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken into a complete meal with these complementary sides:
- Classic pairing: Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious pan juices
- Lighter option: A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness
- Seasonal veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables make for a colorful, nutritious side
- Grainy goodness: Wild rice pilaf or quinoa adds a nutty flavor that works beautifully
- Bread companion: Crusty sourdough for sopping up every last bit of garlic butter sauce
- Fresh accent: A simple cucumber and tomato salad with fresh herbs adds a refreshing contrast
- One-pan meal: Add cubed potatoes and additional vegetables to the roasting pan during the last 40 minutes of cooking
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, place the carved chicken on a large platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced home cooks can trip up when making Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken. Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls:
- Skipping the dry step: Not patting the chicken dry leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy skin. Take the extra minute to thoroughly dry your bird.
- Cold chicken shock: Putting ice-cold chicken straight into a hot oven causes uneven cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
- Under-seasoning: Chicken needs proper seasoning. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper—about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound of chicken is a good rule of thumb.
- Overcrowding the pan: Give your chicken space! Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting.
- Skipping the rest period: Cutting into the chicken immediately causes all those flavorful juices to run out onto your cutting board instead of redistributing throughout the meat.
- Relying on cooking time alone: Always use a meat thermometer rather than just timing. Chicken is properly cooked at 165°F.
- Discarding the drippings: Those golden drippings in the bottom of the pan are liquid gold! Use them to make a quick gravy or simply drizzle over your carved chicken.
Storing Tips for Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
Make the most of your delicious Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken with these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the meat from the bones before storing for easier reheating.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken (preferably deboned) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.
- Reheating: To maintain moisture when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to the pan or microwave-safe dish. Reheat gently at 50% power in the microwave or a 325°F oven, covered, until just warmed through.
- Make-ahead prep: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
- Repurposing leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into totally new meals like chicken salad, enchiladas, soup, or pasta—the garlic butter flavor gives these dishes an incredible head start.
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Conclusion
This Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken delivers a perfect balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich garlic-herb flavor that will elevate your dinner table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a remarkable meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Ready to impress your family or dinner guests? Give this Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken recipe a try tonight and watch as it becomes your new go-to recipe! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments section below. If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious, quick recipes delivered straight to your inbox!
FAQs Oven Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken
How to make garlic butter roasted chicken?
To make garlic butter roasted chicken: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Pat a whole chicken dry, season the cavity, and place aromatics inside (onion, lemon, garlic). Gently loosen the skin and spread most of the garlic butter underneath, then rub the rest on the outside. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for 55-65 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Can you cook butter chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can cook butter chicken in the oven. Traditional Indian butter chicken (Murgh Makhani) can be adapted for oven cooking by marinating chicken pieces in yogurt and spices, then baking at 375°F for about 30 minutes. For the sauce, prepare it separately on the stovetop with butter, tomatoes, cream, and spices, then combine with the baked chicken. Alternatively, you can make a simplified version as a casserole with all ingredients baked together.
How to bake garlic chicken in the oven?
To bake garlic chicken in the oven: Preheat to 375°F. Mix minced garlic with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Coat chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or a whole cut-up chicken) with the mixture. Place in a baking dish and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes for boneless pieces, 35-45 minutes for bone-in pieces). For extra flavor, add lemon slices or whole garlic cloves to the baking dish.
Do you put butter on chicken before roasting?
Yes, putting butter on chicken before roasting is a recommended technique. Butter adds flavor, helps the skin brown beautifully, and keeps the meat moist. For best results, mix softened butter with herbs and seasonings, then rub it both under the skin (by gently loosening it first) and on the outside of the chicken. This allows the flavors to infuse directly into the meat while creating a crispy, golden exterior during roasting.