Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving!)

Whether you're hosting a full Thanksgiving feast or planning a cozy dinner with loved ones, this Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken is a showstopper! Packed with flavor and simple to make, it’s an excellent alternative to the traditional turkey. The best part? This recipe works equally well with a whole turkey for larger gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any holiday menu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: Infused with a combination of garlic butter and my viral green seasoning, every bite is juicy and flavorful.

• Perfect for Thanksgiving or Anytime: If you're looking for a turkey substitute, this whole roasted chicken is a winning option. Simply double the seasoning and use a larger bird if you're feeding a crowd.

• Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple roasting techniques make this dish accessible even for beginner home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole Chicken: Fresh or thawed, around 4-5 lbs.

• Green Seasoning: My secret blend that makes this recipe a flavor bomb.

• Dry Seasoning: Paprika, Spice rubs or any chicken seasoning can work.

• Garlic Butter: Infuses the chicken with rich, savory goodness.

• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage are perfect for enhancing the aroma.

• Baby Potatoes & Carrots: Optional, but they soak up the delicious pan drippings, making a complete meal.

How to Make Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub generously with my green seasoning. Make sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor.

2. Garlic Butter Rub: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread it all over the chicken, focusing on areas under the skin.

3. Roast: Start at a higher temperature to crisp up the skin, then lower the heat to ensure the meat stays juicy.

4. Rest Before Carving: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes. This step locks in all those flavorful juices.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic make a huge difference in the overall flavor.

• Customize the Veggies: Baby potatoes and carrots are a classic choice, but feel free to add other root vegetables.

• Turkey Version: To make this recipe with a turkey, increase the seasoning and cooking time. A 12-14 lb turkey will need about 3-4 hours of roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use this recipe for a turkey?
  Absolutely! Just increase the amount of seasoning and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• How do I know when the chicken is done?
  Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C).

Make This Your Go-To Holiday Recipe!

This Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken is a holiday game-changer (in the best way possible)! With rich flavors, a simple method, and easy ingredient swaps, it’s sure to become a staple in your Thanksgiving tradition.

Print

Whole Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Yield 6-8

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

20 Min

Cook time

1 H & 45 M

Total time

2 H & 5 M

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 1/4 cup of green seasoning
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Second City spice rub (optional)
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon McCormick Grill Mates Roasted Garlic & Herb Seasoning (optional)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced (plus a few whole cloves for the cavity)
• 1 lemon, sliced (plus extra for cleaning)
• 1 lime, sliced (for cleaning)
• 3 green onions, cut into large pieces
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks

Instructions

1. Remove any excess fat and giblets from the inside of the cavity. Wash the chicken thoroughly with lemon and lime slices, rubbing them over the skin and inside the cavity to help remove any odors. Rinse well with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Rub the chicken all over with paprika, Second City Spice Rub, McCormick Garlic & Herb Seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat it evenly.
3. Massage the green seasoning into the chicken, ensuring you get some under the skin for deeper flavor.
4. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Rub the garlic butter under the skin and over the outside of the chicken.
5. Fill the cavity with lemon slices, fresh rosemary, thyme, green onions, a few whole garlic cloves, and a couple of dollops of softened butter.(You can refrigerate overnight for a more flavorful roast and let chicken get to room temperature before roasting, about 30 minutes)
6. Place the baby potatoes and carrots in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and roast for 1 hour. Then, remove the foil and continue roasting for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown.
8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted potatoes and carrots and your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Notes:

• Turkey Option: For a whole turkey, increase the seasoning quantities and adjust the roasting time as needed (about 3-4 hours for a 12-14 lb turkey).
• Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken with all the seasonings and butter the night before and refrigerate for a more flavorful roast.

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