Ingredients:

  • 4.5 lb whole chicken (pasture-raised)
  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.5 lbs baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved
  • 3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 2 stalks celery, thickly sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, wedged
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 large lemon, halved

Instructions:

  1. Dry the bird. Pat the chicken extremely dry with paper towels. Note: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness; any water on the skin will turn to steam.
  2. Season the interior. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff with lemon halves and half of the fresh herbs.
  3. Truss the legs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine until the bird is compact and stable.
  4. Build the base. Toss potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the Dutch oven with a splash of oil and salt.
  5. Prepare herb butter. Mix softened butter with minced rosemary and thyme.
  6. Apply flavor. Gently lift the skin over the breast and thighs and slide the herb butter underneath. Note: This protects the lean breast meat from the direct high heat.
  7. Coat the exterior. Rub any remaining butter over the exterior skin until every inch is lightly glistening.
  8. Position the chicken. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
  9. The first roast. Bake uncovered at 425°F (218°C) for approximately 45 minutes until the skin is visibly tightening and turning gold.
  10. Final cook. Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  11. The rest. Transfer to a carving board for 15 minutes until the juices settle and the skin hardens. Chicken Paprikash: Authentic Hungarian Recipe for a Creamy Sauce — Chicken Paprikash is the ultimate Hungarian comfort classic. Master this auth...Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders for 4 Servings — Discover the best homemade baked chicken tenders using a Greek yogurt marinad...Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in 45 Minutes Baked — Master this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with our step-by-step guide. Incl... $img_2$