Honey Lemon Roasted Chicken

During the week, my family is super busy with work, laundry and shuttling kids from one thing to the next. It's a rare weekend when we don't have activities that consume every minute of the day; so, when we get a break I take advantage and spend some quality time in the kitchen coming up with savory comfort foods that make for a real sit-down family dinner. This week's delicacy? A savory but sweet roasted whole chicken with a perfectly crisp skin and a sweet, buttery sauce made up of ingredients you have in your pantry.

I promise you and your family will love this perfect chicken dinner filled with zesty and sweet flavors!

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List of Ingredients

• Whole Young Chicken, 4-5 lbs

• Garlic Herb Butter

• 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt

• 1 Tablespoon Coarse Ground Black Pepper

• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Pepper

• 1 Cup Raw Honey

• Juice of 2 large lemons

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

Step 1: Make Herb Butter

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or Italian parsley

• 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons of dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

In medium bowl, blend together all ingredients until fully combined. Store butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Butterfly the chicken using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

3. Spread 3 tablespoons of the garlic butter on the inside of the chicken. (Tip - this works best if the chicken is dry).

4. Drizzle inside of chicken with 3-4 tablespoons of honey and the juice of 1/2 a lemon.

5. Season the inside with 1/2 tablespoon each of salt, black pepper and garlic pepper.

6. Flip the chicken over and spread 2-3 tablespoons of the butter being sure to push some between the skin and meat. Then drizzle with olive oil and juice from the other half of the lemon.

7. Season the outside liberally with 1 tablespoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon pepper and 1/2 tablespoon garlic pepper.

8. Heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium high heat until it smokes. Place the

9. chicken skin side down to the skillet. DO NOT wait until the butter is fully melted to add the chicken.

10. Sear the chicken on both side until skin is lightly golden, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

11. Remove skillet from heat and immediately place in the oven uncovered.

12. Cook chicken for 30-35 mins or until a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees when inserted into the breast. Remove from oven and let chicken rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a small sauce pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoons of the garlic butter.

2. Once melted add 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, 1/4 cup honey and juice of one lemon. Simmer until the honey and other ingredients are fully combined.

3. After the chicken has been rested, drizzle the sauce over the chicken, serve immediately.

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Like most of you, my family of four is super busy and sometimes life takes over to the point where we don't get to slow down and enjoy each other. Sunday dinners are a tradition that I am desperately trying to reestablish in our home. And like all great traditions in the Gourmet Mommie home, good times are always accompanied by even better food. So the next time you find yourself with an extra hour on the weekend, give this roasted chicken a try, promise it won't disappoint. Plus, bonus...any remaining chicken works really well in repurposed leftovers for salad or even taco night!

For a quick highlight reel on the steps from this recipe, visit me on Instagram @gourmetmommie.