In a bowl, blend the softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, onion powder, minced rosemary, and minced garlic. This fragrant butter mixture is what gives the chicken its delicious flavor.
Prepare the Chicken
Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken using your fingers. Generously spread the garlic lemon herb butter under the skin and all over the surface of the chicken. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Roast the Chicken
Place your prepared chicken on a baking sheet. Roast it in a preheated 400°F oven for 40-45 minutes. I like to baste the chicken every 10 minutes with the flavorful drippings — this helps keep the meat juicy and adds extra flavor.
Get That Perfect Crispy Skin
For an extra crispy, golden-brown finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through (the thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F on a meat thermometer), let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra tender.