Description
A classic French-inspired roast chicken dish made with whole garlic cloves, fresh herbs, butter, and white wine. The chicken roasts until golden and juicy, creating a rich, aromatic pan sauce perfect for elegant dinners or Sunday meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Butter Mixture
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
Garlic and Liquids
- 2 whole heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Make Herb Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika, mixing well to create a flavorful rub.
- Rub Chicken: Apply the butter mixture all over the chicken pieces, including under the skin if possible, to infuse flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Arrange Garlic: Spread the peeled garlic cloves evenly at the bottom of a roasting pan or baking dish; this will roast alongside the chicken and add sweetness.
- Place Chicken in Pan: Place the buttered chicken pieces on top of the bed of garlic cloves.
- Add Liquids: Pour the white wine and chicken broth around the chicken (not over it) to create a moist roasting environment and a base for the pan sauce.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, basting once or twice during cooking to keep the chicken juicy and to develop a golden skin. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon the roasted garlic cloves and pan juices over the chicken for enhanced flavor and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- The roasted garlic becomes sweet and spreadable, perfect for adding extra flavor to each bite.
- You can substitute boneless chicken pieces; just reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, green beans, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days, ideal for quick meals later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
