Roasting a chicken in butter might sound excessive, but it yields incredibly juicy and flavorful meat with crispy skin. This recipe uses a whole chicken and a generous amount of butter to create a deliciously indulgent dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or when you’re craving comfort food.
Ingredients for Roasted Chicken in 5 Pounds of Butter:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 5 pounds of unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage
How to Make Roasted Chicken in 5 Pounds of Butter:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove any giblets from the chicken’s cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin. If desired, you can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast side up.
- Take about 1/4 of the softened butter and rub it all over the outside of the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cut the remaining butter into chunks and stuff it inside the chicken’s cavity.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven, basting it with the pan juices and melted butter every 20-30 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Using a whole chicken ensures that you get a variety of textures and flavors from different parts of the bird. The breast meat tends to be leaner and milder, while the dark meat is more succulent and flavorful.
- Butter: Roasting the chicken in butter helps to baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and adding richness. The butter also helps the skin to crisp up and turn golden brown, adding to the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.
This recipe is a decadent treat that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for a truly indulgent meal.
