THE BEST ROAST CHICKEN I’VE EVER MADE

Here’s a simple recipe for roasted chicken with an herbed butter rub that will result in a juicy, flavorful dish:

Ingredients:
• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest or lemon halve (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color) optional
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 carrots,Celery
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (optional, for stuffing the cavity)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Herbed Butter:
• In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Rub the Chicken:
• Gently loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers under it, being careful not to tear it.
• Spread about half of the herbed butter under the skin, focusing on the breasts and thighs.
• Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
• Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, onion quarters, and fresh herb sprigs for added flavor.
5. Truss the Chicken (optional):
• Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
6. Roast the Chicken:
• Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan or on a bed of vegetables (like carrots, celery, and potatoes).
• Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken for extra crispiness.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Serve with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted chicken with a delicious herbed butter crust!