Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken

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

Juicy roast chicken with a fragrant honey-lavender glaze that balances sweet floral notes with savory herbs. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes pairs whole chicken, honey, dried culinary lavender for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp dried culinary lavender, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves, stirring until well mixed.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry the 4 lb whole chicken with paper towels, then season the cavity and skin with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity with 1 halved lemon and 4 fresh thyme sprigs.
  3. Step 3: Brush the honey-lavender glaze evenly over the chicken’s skin, making sure to cover all surfaces for a fragrant, sticky coating.
  4. Step 4: Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack in a shallow pan and roast for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and the skin is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, serving with the pan drippings spooned over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken?

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 whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken?

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 Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Honey-Lavender Glazed Roast Chicken?

Mediterranean 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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