Savory Lemon & Thyme Herb Butter Roast Chicken
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of this Savory Lemon & Thyme Herb Butter Roast Chicken, expertly crafted to deliver juicy, tender meat with a gorgeous crispy skin. Enhanced with fresh thyme, zesty lemons, and aromatic garlic, this gluten-free dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. The vibrant herbs and citrus elevate the natural flavors of the chicken, while the savory butter creates a sumptuous, golden crust. Serve this delightful roast with your choice of sides, and enjoy a meal that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
N/A
Servings
700
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
50 g (softened (no substitutes))
fresh thyme or lemon thyme
1 bunch (leaves picked, stalks reserved, plus extra to serve)
garlic cloves
4 (1 mashed, the other 3 left whole but squashed)
lemons
2 (halved)
chicken
1 (about 1.5 kg (number 15 chicken))
carrots
2 (roughly chopped)
onion
1 (roughly chopped)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6).
2
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, one-third of the thyme leaves, the mashed garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. Mix well to create a smooth herb butter, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3
Gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast using your fingers. Carefully push most of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Rub any remaining butter over the entire surface of the chicken for a beautifully crispy finish.
4
Stuff the chicken cavity with the halved lemons, remaining thyme leaves and stalks, along with the whole squashed garlic cloves.
5
In a small roasting tin, spread the chopped carrots and onions evenly on the bottom. Lay the bay leaves over the vegetables to enhance the flavor.
6
Place the seasoned chicken, breast-side up, on top of the vegetable bed in the roasting tin. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting the chicken with the pan juices halfway through (after about 40 minutes) to ensure maximum moisture and flavor.
7
Once the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the tin for 5 minutes before carving.
8
Using tongs, carefully remove the stuffed lemons, garlic, and thyme from the cavity and set them aside in the tin.
9
Lift the chicken onto a serving platter, allowing any remaining juices to drip into the tin, which can be used for a luscious gravy if desired.
10
Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.
Nutrition Information
50 g
Fat
30 g
Carbs
40 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in this roast chicken recipe?
The chicken is flavored with a savory blend of fresh thyme, lemon, garlic, and herb butter.
Is this Savory Lemon & Thyme Herb Butter Roast Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How long does the chicken need to roast?
The chicken should be roasted in a preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be set to 200°C, or 180°C for fan-assisted ovens (gas mark 6).
What ingredients are used to make the herb butter?
The herb butter is a mix of softened butter, thyme leaves, mashed garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Where should I apply the herb butter?
Most of the herb butter should be pushed underneath the skin of the breast, with the remainder rubbed over the surface.
Which vegetables are used as a roasting bed?
Roughly chopped carrots and onions, along with bay leaves, are used as a bed for the chicken.
What should I put inside the chicken cavity?
Stuff the cavity with halved lemons, the remaining thyme stalks and leaves, and whole squashed garlic cloves.
How many garlic cloves are required for this recipe?
You will need 4 garlic cloves: 1 mashed for the butter and 3 left whole but squashed for the cavity.
Can I use a substitute for the butter?
The recipe specifies using softened butter and notes that there are no substitutes for best results.
What size chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends a chicken weighing approximately 1.5 kg, also known as a number 15 chicken.
Is basting necessary during the roasting process?
Yes, you should baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through roasting, at about the 40-minute mark.
How long should the chicken rest after cooking?
The chicken should rest for 5 minutes in the tin and then for at least 15 minutes on a platter before serving.
How many calories are in one serving of this roast chicken?
There are approximately 700 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 50 g of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
One serving provides 40 g of protein.
Can I make gravy from the roasting pan?
Yes, the remaining pan juices can be used to create a luscious gravy.
What type of thyme is recommended?
You can use either fresh thyme or lemon thyme.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 whole bay leaves.
Why is the butter placed under the chicken skin?
Placing butter under the skin infuses flavor directly into the meat and helps keep it juicy.
What is the purpose of the carrots and onions?
The vegetables elevate the chicken to help it roast evenly and add aromatic flavor to the pan juices.
How do I prepare the garlic for the herb butter?
One garlic clove should be mashed to blend smoothly into the butter mixture.
What should I do with the lemon juice?
The juice of half a lemon is mixed into the herb butter preparation.
How many lemons are needed in total?
The recipe requires 2 lemons.
Is this dish suitable for a Sunday roast?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'sunday roast' and is perfect for family gatherings.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be roughly chopped before being placed in the roasting tin.
When should the cavity stuffing be removed?
Remove the lemons, garlic, and thyme from the cavity after roasting, just before carving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
The dish contains 30 g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe a good choice for hosting friends?
Yes, the recipe is described as being perfect for a gathering with friends due to its visual appeal and flavor.
How do I ensure the chicken skin is crispy?
Rubbing the remaining herb butter over the entire surface of the chicken before roasting helps create a golden, crispy skin.