Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter

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

A tender and juicy chicken roasted slowly with fresh lemon, rosemary, thyme, and garlic butter that infuses rich aromatic flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 165 minutes pairs whole chicken, unsalted butter, chopped fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Rinse and pat dry the 4 lbs whole chicken with paper towels, then season inside and out with 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, and zest of 1 large lemon. Mix well until a fragrant herb butter forms.
  3. Step 3: Gently loosen the chicken skin over the breasts and thighs with your fingers, then spread half of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin, and the rest evenly over the skin surface.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken, place it breast side up on a roasting pan, and roast uncovered for 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and tent with foil. Rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 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 Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Slow-Roasted Lemon and Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter?

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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