Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
- 2 large lemons, sliced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley with the softened butter. Set aside.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
- Carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast with your fingers. Spread the herb butter mixture evenly under the skin, ensuring it is well-coated.
- Place slices of one lemon inside the cavity of the chicken, along with any leftover herb butter.
- Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breast-side down in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken breast-side up and add the remaining lemon slices around the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve warm with extra lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Helpful Tips
To ensure the skin is extra crispy, make sure the chicken is patted completely dry before seasoning. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a large oven-safe pan or roasting dish will work as well.
Storage Instructions
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its crispy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh). For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet during roasting.
Pairings
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon or a light, citrusy lemonade makes for a refreshing beverage to complement the meal.