Lemon-Thyme-Rosemary Roasted Smart Chicken - KTUL.com - Tulsa, Oklahoma - News, Weather & Sports

For Easter this year, why not serve your family a plump, juicy roasted Smart Chicken! One bite and their taste buds will say they have died and gone to heaven! This recipe is easy and oh-so-yummy! Be forewarned, though: you may have to double the recipe because your family will be begging for more once they have taken just one bite.

1 whole Smart Chicken

1/4 cup butter, softened

1 Tablespoon fresh minced thyme

1 teaspoon fresh minced rosemary, you can use up to 1 Tablespoon if you want

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2-4 cloves garlic

1 lemon, cut in half

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place rack inside pan.
• Rinse Smart Chicken and pat dry. Place Smart Chicken on rack in prepared pan.
• Ina small bowl, combine butter, thyme, rosemary, zest, juice, salt and pepper. Rub butter mixture over chicken. Place garlic and lemon halves in chicken cavity.
• Bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 40-45 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion reads 165 degrees. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serves 4-5.