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Herb-Infused Irish Roast Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 516 reviews

This Herb-Infused Irish Roast Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring a whole chicken rubbed with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and butter, then roasted to juicy perfection alongside tender roasted vegetables. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion, it delivers a classic Irish-inspired taste with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Herb Rub

  • 1 whole chicken (34 lbs / 1.41.8 kg), cleaned and patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables (Optional)

  • 4 medium potatoes, quartered
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • Additional olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Herb Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a fragrant herb butter mixture.
  2. Apply Herb Mixture to Chicken: Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken, then rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the chicken’s surface. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
  4. Prepare Vegetables: Toss the quartered potatoes, sliced carrots, and quartered onion in olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Arrange them evenly in the bottom of a roasting pan.
  5. Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetables breast side up. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender meat.

Notes

  • You can marinate the chicken for longer, up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, for a deeper herb flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  • If you prefer, substitute potatoes and carrots with other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips.
  • For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before applying the herb butter.
  • Leftover roast chicken makes excellent sandwiches or salads the next day.

Keywords: Irish roast chicken, herb roasted chicken, roasted chicken recipe, lemon herb chicken, roasted vegetables, comfort food, easy chicken dinner