Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoon(s) maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon(s) fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 bunch(es) fresh thyme sprigs (reserve 4 sprigs for serving)
  • 1 - whole chicken, washed and dried well (3.5-4 pounds)
  • 1 - lemon, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 1 teaspoon(s) freshly ground black pepper

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix softened butter, maple syrup, and chopped thyme into a paste.
  • Place chicken into a roasting pan and stuff cavity with lemon and all but the 4 sprigs of thyme.
  • Loosen the skin on the chicken breast and thighs.
  • Spread half of the butter mixture under the skin.
  • Fold the wings under the chicken and tie the drumsticks together. Rub the remainder of the butter mixture on top of chicken that has been seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Roast the chicken until a thermometer, inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, registers 165 degrees F (approximately 1.5 hours).
  • Remove chicken, cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • Carve chicken and garnish with the remaining thyme sprigs.