Honey Garlic Butter Roast Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 3 tbsp honey

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

• 1 lemon, halved

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter:
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, garlic, olive oil, paprika, and thyme.

3. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place lemon halves inside the chicken cavity.
   Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings under the body.
   Brush the entire chicken generously with the honey garlic butter mixture (reserve some for basting).

4. Roast the Chicken:
   Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet.
   Roast 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining honey butter mixture, until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and Serve:
   Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
   Spoon pan juices over the top, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.