To make the perfect roasted chicken, preheat the oven to 400°F, trim off any excess fat from the 3-4lb chicken, and make a seasoning paste with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp softened butter, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, and 1 tbsp dried thyme. Smear the paste generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and into the cavity. Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and then serve with your favorite sides.

How to Make the Perfect Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken

– Preheat the oven to 400°F.
– Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
– Remove the giblets from inside the chicken (if included) and discard them.
– Trim off any excess fat from the chicken, but leave the skin on.

2. Make the Seasoning Paste

– In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp softened butter, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, and 1 tbsp dried thyme.
– Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a paste.
– Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Season the Chicken

– Using your hands, smear the seasoning paste generously all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin and into the cavity.
– Sprinkle additional salt and pepper over the chicken.

4. Roast the Chicken

– Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
– Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
– If the chicken starts to get too brown, cover it with foil.
– Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

5. Carve the Chicken

– Use a sharp knife to carve the chicken.
– Begin by removing the legs and wings.
– Then, cut down the center of the breastbone to separate the two breasts.
– Slice the breasts into thick pieces and arrange them on a platter with the legs and wings.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

– Garnish the platter with fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.
– Serve the roasted chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
– Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful roasted chicken!