Buffet-Style Herb-Roasted Chicken with Citrus Glaze
Tender roasted chicken enhanced with fresh herbs and a bright citrus glaze, perfect for a family meal or buffet spread. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 80 minutes, pairs whole chicken, olive oil, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs whole chicken
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon zest
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Rinse and pat dry the 4 lbs whole chicken. Rub the chicken all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, then season with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Mix 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 4 minced garlic cloves; rub this herb mixture evenly under and over the skin of the chicken.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan and roast for 45 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp lemon zest in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: After 45 minutes, brush the citrus glaze over the chicken and roast for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving and serving with remaining glaze drizzled on top.









