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European

Sage Butter Roast Chicken

A weeknight-friendly whole roast with crisp skin, herb butter pushed under the skin, and a pan sauce built from the drippings. Serves four with leftovers for sandwiches.

1h 35m total
4 servings
Medium

Method

Prep 20 min Cook 1h 15m

Prepare the bird

  1. Pat the chicken completely dry inside and out with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes — this helps the skin crisp.

  2. In a small bowl, mash together the 6 tbsp, 12, 4 cloves, 1 tbsp, and a pinch of 2 tsp until you have a green herb butter.

  3. Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the breasts and thighs to create pockets, being careful not to tear. Push two-thirds of the herb butter into the pockets, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the bird.

  4. Season the chicken generously inside and out with 2 tsp and 1 tsp.

Roast

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken breast-side up in a cast-iron skillet or a shallow roasting pan.

  2. Roast for 60–75 minutes, until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F on a thermometer. The skin should be deep golden brown.

  3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. Tent loosely with foil if your kitchen is cold.

Make the pan sauce

  1. While the chicken rests, set the skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 and cook in the chicken fat until softened, about 2 minutes.

  2. Pour in the ½ cup and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce by half, then add the 1 cup. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce coats a spoon.

  3. Off the heat, swirl in the 2 tbsp until glossy. Stir in the 1 tbsp and 1 tbsp. Taste and adjust salt.

Serve

  1. Carve the chicken and arrange on a platter. Spoon the pan sauce over the top, or serve it in a small pitcher alongside.

Notes

If you don't have fresh sage, substitute fresh thyme or rosemary at half the volume. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

Tags

weeknight one-pan roast
mesa

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