Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy half a chicken roasted with a fragrant herb butter rub, yielding crispy skin and tender meat. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs half chicken (about 2 lbs), softened unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 2 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Mix well.
  3. Step 3: Pat dry 1 half chicken (about 2 lbs) with paper towels and rub the herb butter mixture all over the skin and under the skin where possible.
  4. Step 4: Season the chicken evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, then drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top.
  5. Step 5: Place the chicken skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep half chicken (about 2 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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