When you want a meal that’s packed with rich, savory flavors and requires minimal effort, Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken is the answer. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with a bold, buttery garlic sauce that seeps into every bite. The roasting process ensures a crispy, golden skin while keeping the meat incredibly moist on the inside.

It’s the kind of recipe that works for any occasion—weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or when you just want something homemade and hearty. The best part? It’s simple enough that you won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, yet the result tastes like something straight from a restaurant.

Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious roasted chicken that’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.

Table of contents

What You’ll Need to Make This Juicy Roasted Chicken

This dish comes together with just a few staple ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor.

Chicken (Whole or Bone-in Pieces) – Using a whole chicken creates an impressive centerpiece, but if you prefer, you can use thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in breasts. The bone helps retain moisture and adds more flavor during roasting.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are the heart of this recipe. They add depth and richness as they roast, becoming soft, caramelized, and slightly sweet.
Butter – The key to creating that golden, flavorful crust. Butter locks in moisture and creates a rich base for the garlic-infused sauce.
Fresh Herbs – A mix of rosemary, thyme, or parsley brings brightness to the dish and enhances the aroma of the roasted chicken.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to help the butter and seasonings stick. This also ensures a crispy skin when roasted.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter and mix it with minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. This creates a rich, flavorful base that infuses the chicken while it roasts.
Coat the Chicken: Rub the garlic butter all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin for extra moisture and flavor. If using a whole chicken, stuff some garlic cloves and herbs inside the cavity.
Roast to Perfection: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. Basting the chicken halfway through keeps it extra moist.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in the juices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Ways to Customize Your Roasted Chicken

The beauty of this dish is how easily it can be tailored to your taste. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

Citrus Twist – Add slices of lemon or orange to the roasting pan for a fresh, zesty contrast to the buttery garlic sauce.
Spice It Up – Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Cheesy Crust – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skin before roasting for an extra crispy, cheesy crust.
Honey Garlic Variation – Drizzle a bit of honey over the chicken for a sweet, caramelized glaze that pairs beautifully with the garlic butter.

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Why This Garlic Butter Chicken Stands Out

Not all roasted chicken recipes are created equal, and this one delivers big on flavor, texture, and ease.

Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside – The combination of butter and roasting at the right temperature creates the perfect contrast of textures.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – With just a handful of ingredients, you get a deeply flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Endless Pairing Options – Serve it with anything from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

To make this meal even more satisfying, pair it with one of these delicious sides:

Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes with a touch of garlic and herbs are the ultimate comfort food.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – The caramelized, slightly crispy texture of Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the juicy roasted chicken.
Wild Rice Pilaf – A nutty, hearty rice dish with mushrooms and herbs balances out the rich butter sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans – A simple yet flavorful veggie side that keeps the meal light and fresh.

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Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken

Roasted Garlic Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish with golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. Infused with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs, this easy recipe is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings serving

Equipment

Roasting Pan For baking the chicken evenly
Basting Brush For spreading the garlic butter
Meat Thermometer Ensures the chicken is cooked through

Ingredients

1 whole chicken or bone-in pieces
6 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup butter melted
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
Brush the garlic butter mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
Roast for 60 minutes, basting halfway through, until the skin is golden and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Add lemon slices for extra brightness.
Baste the chicken with more garlic butter for even richer flavor.

Keyword garlic butter chicken, oven-roasted chicken, roasted chicken

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!