Description
Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Pears brings savory elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. Roasting chicken nestled among sweet pears creates a delightful meal that feels special without complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
Fresh Herbs and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (whole)
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix ½ cup softened butter with 2 tablespoons each of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, along with 6 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Pat the 4-5 pound chicken completely dry using clean paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains on the skin.
- Carefully separate the chicken skin from the meat using your fingers, creating pockets across the breast and thighs without tearing the skin.
- Massage the herbed butter mixture underneath the skin, distributing it evenly across the chicken’s surface and ensuring complete coverage.
- Rub any remaining butter mixture over the exterior of the chicken skin, creating a thin, even layer.
- Cut 3 ripe pears into wedges, arranging them around the chicken in a large roasting pan.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over the pear wedges, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place the roasting pan in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven, positioning the rack in the center.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Let the herb butter sit at room temperature for easier spreading under the chicken skin.
- Choose firm, ripe pears that will hold their shape during roasting and caramelize nicely.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly if using prepared butter.
- Carve the chicken and serve immediately to keep the meat juicy and the skin crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 594
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg