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sliced thanksgiving chicken

Thanksgiving Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Maria Ronan
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Description

Experience the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving with a twist! This Turkey-Style Chicken is prepared with a herb-infused butter spread, delivering the essence of the holiday season. The chicken is seasoned both inside and out, ensuring each bite is bursting with savory goodness. Roast it to perfection, and you’ll have a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your festive dinner. This recipe offers a unique and budget-friendly alternative to the traditional turkey, making it a versatile choice for any special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (45 pounds)

Butter Rub:

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Dry Rub

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Prepare the Herb-Infused Butter:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter or margarine with dried rosemary, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to create a flavorful herb-infused butter.

2. Season the Chicken and Butter:

  • Ensure your chicken is giblet-free. Gently create pockets between the skin and meat by carefully lifting the skin away from the meat. This will allow you to massage the herb-infused butter directly onto the meat. Season the chicken inside the cavity and outside with the spice rub mix.

3. Apply Butter Under the Skin:

  • Carefully rub the herb-infused butter under the chicken’s skin, reaching as much of the meat as possible. This step enhances the flavor and keeps the meat juicy during roasting.

4. Preheat and Roast:

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan.

5. Roasting Time:

  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part (usually between the leg and thigh).

6. Rest and Serve:

  • Once the Turkey-Style Chicken is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven.
  • Let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period ensures a juicy and succulent chicken.
  • After resting, carve the chicken and serve it to delight your taste buds with the savory flavors of Thanksgiving.
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 120