Green-Garlic-Rubbed Buttery Roast Chicken

Ingredients for Green-Garlic-Rubbed Buttery Roast Chicken

• 1 (3 1/2–4-lb.) whole chicken, patted dry

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 8 green garlic stalks, dark green tops removed, divided

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

Season chicken all over inside and out with salt and pepper (make sure to get in and around every nook and cranny; about 4 teaspoons Diamond Crystal or 2 1/2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt). Place on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and let sit at room temperature while you make the garlic butter, or chill, uncovered, up to 1 day. If chilling, let sit at room temperature 1 hour before roasting.

Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 163°C. Coarsely chop 4 green garlic stalks; transfer to a food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped. Add zest and butter and pulse until almost smooth. Cut remaining 4 green garlic stalks in half lengthwise; set aside.

Pat chicken dry again with paper towels (this will help the butter adhere and get the skin nicely browned). Smear garlic butter all over chicken. Gently lift the skin on the breast away from the flesh and rub some butter inside.

Toss reserved green garlic and oil in a large cast-iron skillet or 13x9" baking dish to coat; season with salt. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings underneath back. Place chicken, breast side up, on top of garlic in skillet.

Roast chicken, rotating pan halfway through for even browning, until skin is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 68°C (don’t worry; temperature will climb to 74°C as the chicken rests), 80–90 minutes. Let chicken rest at least 20 minutes and up to 45 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and carve as desired. Serve with roasted green garlic alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.