Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds: Hot Honey Butter Roasted Chicken! This succulent, golden-brown chicken is infused with the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at roasted chicken the same way again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the whole chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even roasting.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, hot honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a large roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Generously season the entire chicken, including inside the cavity, with additional salt and pepper.
- Carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast using your fingers, creating a pocket. Gently spread half of the hot honey butter mixture directly under the skin, ensuring even distribution.
- Brush the remaining hot honey butter mixture over the entire exterior of the chicken, coating the skin completely.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and help the chicken maintain its shape.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with pan drippings to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carve the chicken and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the pieces before serving hot.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Always remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a juicy result.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to achieve that perfect crispy skin. A hot oven is key to roasting chicken beautifully.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is essential for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don’t hold back on the salt and pepper! Season both the exterior and the cavity of the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Create a Flavor Pocket: Carefully separate the skin from the breast and spread the hot honey butter mixture underneath. This technique infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it moist.
- Baste for Moisture: Basting the chicken every 20 minutes with its own drippings helps to lock in moisture and enhance the overall flavor.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Rest Before Carving: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Serve with Pan Juices: Drizzle the remaining pan juices over the carved chicken for an extra burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 180mg
