Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

If you’re craving a roast chicken recipe that’s bursting with bright, herby flavors and a touch of indulgence, you’re in for a treat. This Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites—thanks to its perfect balance of rich garlic butter, zesty lemon, and that unexpected olive dressing that ties everything together. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe brings something special to the table, creating a harmony of textures and tastes. Picking fresh herbs and quality olive oil really elevates the flavors, so definitely look for the best you can find.

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give more juicy flavor, while breasts are leaner—choose what you prefer but pick similar sizes for even cooking.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds fruity richness that complements the butter and fresh herbs perfectly.
• Garlic: Both finely chopped and whole cloves provide layers of garlicky goodness, roasted and fresh.
• Fresh parsley: Bright, peppery freshness balances out the richness.
• Fresh oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly minty note that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• Lemons (halved and sliced): Roasting lemons softens their acidity and brings a sweet, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Salted butter: Key for that luscious garlic butter coating on the chicken—makes all the difference!
• Fresh basil: Sweet and aromatic, it adds a lovely layer to the dressing.
• Green olives: Provide a salty, briny punch that brightens the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar: Adds tang and balance to the dressing.
• Fish sauce (optional): A secret umami boost that wakes up flavors without overpowering.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to keep things interesting.
• Goat cheese: Creamy crumbles add decadence and a tangy finish.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you’re in the mood for or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment—you can’t go wrong when garlic, lemon, and butter are involved!

• You can swap chicken cuts: I sometimes use bone-in thighs when I want extra juiciness; just add a little extra cooking time.
• Add veggies: Tossing in some baby potatoes or asparagus around the chicken works beautifully for a one-pan meal.
• Adjust the heat: If you love spice like I do, double up on those red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika.
• Dressing variations: Swap basil with mint or add capers for a Mediterranean twist I’ve found delightful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Herbs

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—high heat is key for crispy edges and juicy inside. While that’s warming up, combine your chicken with olive oil, finely chopped garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or directly on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss everything well to coat the chicken evenly. This step helps lock in flavors right from the start. I like to pat my chicken dry first, so the butter sticks better and the skin crisps up beautifully if you’re using skin-on pieces.

Step 2: Arrange Lemons, Garlic, and Butter for Roasting

Scatter halved lemons, smashed whole garlic cloves, and sliced butter around and on top of the chicken. The butter melts slowly, basting the chicken with garlic goodness, while the lemons roast and add an incredible aroma. Don’t skip slicing butter because it’s a game changer—makes the chicken succulent and flavorful. Pop everything into the oven and roast for about 35-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the lemons and garlic so they get nicely charred but don’t burn. That little bit of charring adds an amazing smoky depth that takes the dish to the next level.

Step 3: Whip Up the Lemon Olive Dressing

While the chicken roasts, prepare the dressing that brings freshness and tang to the dish. Mix the remaining olive oil with chopped parsley, oregano, basil, chopped olives, vinegar, and fish sauce if you’re using it. When the chicken is done, carefully remove the charred lemon slices and garlic cloves from the pan. Chop the lemon slices finely, including the rind (just discard any seeds), and mash the garlic into a paste before stirring both into the dressing. This step is where the magic happens—infusing the dressing with roasted, bright citrus and mellow garlic flavors.

Step 4: Serve Up and Enjoy

Plate each piece of chicken, spoon the vibrant lemon olive dressing over top, and finish with chunks of creamy goat cheese. The goat cheese adds a tangy richness that effortlessly complements the rest of the herbs and garlic. I promise, once you get that first bite, you’ll be hooked. This dish looks as gorgeous as it tastes, so it’s perfect for weekends when you want to impress without fussing.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding fresh parsley and a few more crushed red pepper flakes on top just before serving – it brightens up the entire plate and adds a little pop of color. Sometimes I also crumble a little extra goat cheese directly on top, because, well, you can never have too much goat cheese here!

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple but comforting. Roasted baby potatoes tossed with rosemary, steamed green beans, or a crisp arugula salad sprinkled with lemon vinaigrette pair perfectly. One time, I even served it over creamy polenta, which was a total hit and soaked up all the juices beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to arrange the chicken on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges, bowls of extra dressing, and olives scattered around. Garnishing with whole fresh oregano and basil sprigs gives it a garden-fresh look that never fails to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken juicy and the dressing fresh. I’ve found that the chicken tastes even better the next day once the flavors have mingled a bit—just bring it to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, too. I wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. The lemon olive dressing freezes best on its own in a smaller container—just thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, I warm it slowly in a 325°F oven until heated through—this keeps it from drying out. Then, I drizzle some fresh lemon olive dressing on top to refresh the flavors. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven preserves texture and juiciness much better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Roast Chicken with Lemon Olive Dressing Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines straightforward cooking with complex, fresh flavors in a way that just feels like homemade comfort elevated. I love how it’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and let this recipe bring a little joy and deliciousness to your table. You’ll be so glad you did!

Print