The Juiciest Oven Roasted Chicken Recipe

The Juiciest Oven Roasted Chicken Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min

Cost: $10.27 total, $1.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4.5 lb Whole Chicken (giblets removed, patted dry)
  • 4 cup Water (for brine)
  • 1/4 cup Kosher Salt (for brine)
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar (for brine)
  • 3 pcs Garlic Cloves (smashed, for brine)
  • 1 tsp Black Peppercorns (for brine)
  • 2 pcs Bay Leaves (for brine)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (for compound butter)
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, for compound butter)
  • 2 Tbsp Garlic‑Infused Olive Oil (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 Tbsp Poultry Seasoning
  • 3 ft Kitchen Twine (for trussing the bird)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine

    In a large pot combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir until dissolved and let cool to room temperature.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Brine the Chicken

    Place the whole chicken in the brine, ensure it is fully submerged, cover, and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

    Time: PT0M

  3. Pat Dry

    Remove the chicken from the brine, discard the brine, and pat the bird completely dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Make Compound Butter

    In a mixing bowl combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Insert Butter Under Skin

    Gently loosen the skin over the breast by sliding your fingers between skin and meat. Spread the compound butter evenly under the skin, being careful not to tear it.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Oil and Season the Bird

    Drizzle garlic‑infused olive oil over the entire chicken, then rub poultry seasoning all over the surface, including the legs and wings.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Truss the Chicken

    Tuck the wing tips under the body, fold the legs together, and tie with kitchen twine to hold the shape.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Preheat Oven

    Preheat a conventional oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Roast Uncovered

    Place the chicken breast‑side up in the roasting pan and roast for 60 minutes, uncovered.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 350°F

  10. Finish with Foil

    Check internal temperature; if the breast is at 150‑155°F, cover the top loosely with foil and continue roasting for another 15 minutes until the breast reaches 165°F.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Rest the Chicken

    Remove the bird from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Carve and Serve

    Carve the chicken, slice the breast, and serve with your favorite sides.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
20g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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The Juiciest Oven Roasted Chicken Recipe

Recipe by Smokin' & Grillin with AB

A juicy, flavor‑packed whole chicken that’s brined overnight, butter‑stuffed under the skin, and roasted to a golden‑brown finish. The combination of a simple brine, garlic‑infused olive oil, and a homemade compound butter gives the bird deep flavor while keeping the meat moist and tender—perfect for a holiday feast or a weekend dinner.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h
Prep
1h 15m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.27
Total cost
$1.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Prepare and chill the brine properly
  • Insert compound butter under the skin without tearing
  • Monitor internal temperature and cover with foil to prevent over‑browning
  • Allow the chicken to rest before carving

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot roasting pan and foil.
  • Ensure the meat thermometer is inserted correctly to avoid inaccurate readings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken in American holiday cuisine?

A

Roast chicken has long been a centerpiece of American Thanksgiving and holiday meals, symbolizing abundance and family gatherings. The brining technique, popularized in the mid‑20th century, ensures a juicy bird, while compound butter under the skin adds a modern, gourmet twist to a classic tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of brined roast chicken in the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., brined chicken is often seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices and served with gravy. In the Midwest, herb butter and simple poultry seasoning are common, reflecting the dish’s roots in comfort food. The method described by Smokin' & Grillin with AB blends these traditions with a garlic‑infused olive oil finish.

cultural
Q

How is Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken traditionally served in American Thanksgiving meals?

A

It is typically presented whole on a platter, carved at the table, and served alongside classic sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green beans. The buttery, juicy meat complements the rich flavors of the holiday spread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Besides Thanksgiving, this roast chicken is popular for Christmas, Easter brunches, family reunions, and casual weekend dinners where a whole bird makes an impressive yet approachable centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What makes Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The combination of an overnight brine, compound butter tucked under the skin, and a garlic‑infused olive oil massage creates layers of flavor and moisture that set it apart from a standard roasted chicken, delivering restaurant‑quality results at home.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken?

A

Common errors include not fully drying the skin, over‑cooking the bird, failing to insert the butter under the skin, and neglecting to cover the chicken with foil when the skin darkens too quickly. Each of these can lead to dry meat or burnt skin.

technical
Q

Why does this Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken recipe use a compound butter under the skin instead of butter on the surface?

A

Placing butter under the skin allows the fat to melt directly onto the meat, keeping the breast moist while the skin stays crisp. Butter on the surface would melt away and can cause the seasoning to slide off during roasting.

technical
Q

Can I make Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Brine the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate. After roasting, let the meat cool, slice, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken?

A

The skin should be a deep golden‑brown, slightly crisp to the touch, while the meat underneath remains pink‑white and juicy. When cut, the juices should run clear and the butter should have infused the breast meat with a subtle herb flavor.

technical
Q

How do I know when Herb Butter Brined Roast Chicken is done cooking?

A

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone; it should read 165°F (74°C). The thigh will be slightly higher, around 170‑175°F, indicating the bird is fully cooked.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB specializes in straightforward, backyard‑friendly grilling and smoking techniques, focusing on flavorful meat preparations, brining methods, and practical tips that demystify classic American barbecue and holiday cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Smokin' & Grillin with AB's approach to American holiday cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Smokin' & Grillin with AB emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, using everyday kitchen tools and clear step‑by‑step guidance. Unlike more production‑heavy channels, AB focuses on practical, repeatable methods like brining and compound butter that home cooks can master without professional gear.

channel

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