If you’ve been cooking chicken the usual way, it’s time to switch things up! This method will give you an incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken, paired with perfectly roasted potatoes. The secret lies in a herb-infused butter that keeps the chicken moist and delicious. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Soft butter: 400 g (14 oz)
- Fresh rosemary: 30 g (1.1 oz), finely chopped
- Fresh parsley: 20 g (0.7 oz), finely chopped
- Black pepper: 3 g (0.1 oz)
- Salt: 3 g (0.1 oz)
- Whole chicken: 1 (approximately 1.5-2 kg)
For the Potatoes:
- Potatoes: 1 kg (2 lb), peeled and cut into chunks
- Vegetable oil: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
- Black pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Salt: 5 g (0.2 oz)
- Fresh rosemary: 20 g (0.7 oz), finely chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter
- Mix the herbs and butter:
- In a bowl, combine 400 g of soft butter with 30 g of chopped rosemary, 20 g of chopped parsley, 3 g of black pepper, and 3 g of salt. Mix until the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the butter stick to the skin and create a crispy exterior.
- Butter the chicken:
- Carefully loosen the skin over the chicken breast by gently sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Be careful not to tear the skin. Once loosened, spread a generous amount of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat. This will keep the chicken breast moist as it cooks.
- Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Roast the Chicken
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Prepare the potatoes:
- In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with 30 ml of vegetable oil, 5 g of black pepper, 5 g of salt, and 20 g of chopped rosemary until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a roasting pan:
- Place the chicken in the center of a roasting pan. Arrange the seasoned potatoes around the chicken.
- Roast:
- Roast the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The potatoes should be tender and crispy.
- Baste for extra juiciness:
- Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with the melted butter and juices that collect at the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier.
- Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the roasted potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy this incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken with your family and friends.
Cook’s Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to use other herbs like thyme, sage, or tarragon in the butter for different flavor profiles.
- Potato Options: You can use baby potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different twist.
Variations
Lemon-Herb Chicken
Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the herb butter for a fresh, zesty flavor.
Garlic-Infused Chicken
Mix minced garlic into the herb butter for a garlic-lover’s twist.
Spicy Roasted Chicken
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the butter for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Medley
Roast additional vegetables like carrots, onions, and bell peppers along with the potatoes for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, but allow it to soften slightly before using it on the chicken.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
3. Can I use this method on chicken thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, this method works well with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole turkey! Adjust the cooking time according to the size and type of meat.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish.
5. Can I freeze the leftover chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
This method of cooking chicken ensures that every bite is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The herb-infused butter adds richness, while the roasted potatoes complete the meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the best chicken you’ve ever made
