How to Make a Perfect Herb Roasted Chicken -- The Frugal Chef

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has similar health benefits with a higher smoke point.

whole chicken

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Chicken thighs are often more affordable and still flavorful.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: mixed Italian seasoning

Dried herbs are more convenient and cost-effective.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth can be lower in calories and cost.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with 1/2 tablespoon of minced red onion, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 3/4 teaspoon of mustard, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme until uniform.

Rinse the 5 lb chicken, remove the insides, and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat without tearing it, to smear the herbal butter underneath.

Stuff the breast meat with the herbal butter and use any leftover butter for later.

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with parsley sprigs, a small piece of red onion, and a couple of pieces of red apple.

Secure the chicken legs by either using the skin flap or tying them with chicken twine if necessary.

Brush olive oil all over the chicken, seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Place the chicken on its side in a roasting pan and cook for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, flip the chicken onto the other side and cook for another 30 minutes, adding a little water to the roasting pan for steam.

Melt the leftover herbal butter and brush it onto the chicken during cooking.

Check the chicken after cooking; it should be brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) in the thigh or clear juices when the thigh is pulled away from the body.

If using a thermometer, ensure it reads 170°F (77°C) in the deepest part of the thigh to confirm it's cooked.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens