Roasted Chicken w/ Citrus & Herb Compound Butter

5 from 2 votes

Roasted Chicken w/ Citrus & Herb Compound Butter

When it comes to affordable, versatile, and delicious meal options, chicken quarters are a standout choice. Whether you're feeding a family or preparing meals for yourself, chicken quarters offer a range of benefits that make them a go-to ingredient in any kitchen. Here’s why chicken quarters should be a staple in your meal planning and how they can help you keep both your taste buds and your wallet happy.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Brining (Recommended for Optimal Flavor)10

Total Time11

Course: BBQ & Grilling, Chicken Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Matt Price

Equipment

Baking Sheet w/ Wire Rack
Deep Dish Aluminum Foil Pan
Aluminum Foil

Ingredients

4 Chicken Quarters
2 sticks of butter
2 oranges
2 lemons
Fresh Rosemary and Thyme for butter
1 head roasted garlic
2 stalks of celery
1 onion
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder AP and Lemon Bae Seasoning
Diced parsley garnish
Truffle salt for dry brining

For Gravy:

2 cups pan drippings
3 tbsps seasoned flour https://www.mrmakeithappen.shop or regular all purpose flour and season to taste
2 tsps dark soy sauce
2 tbsps half and half or heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

* Pat the chicken quarters dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the brine adhere better and ensures crispy skin.

Make the Dry Brine:

* In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar (if using), black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. OR just keep it simple like I am today with the truffle salt.

Apply the Brine:

* Rub the dry brine mixture all over the chicken quarters, making sure to get some under the skin if possible. This ensures the flavor penetrates the meat more deeply.

Brine the Chicken:

* Place the seasoned chicken quarters on a rack set over a baking sheet or in a large zip-top bag. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 4 hours, but ideally 8 to 12 hours. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will add some flavor.

Next, we are going to make this delicious citrus and herb compound butter.

In a mixing bowl add 2 sticks of softened butter along with diced herbs and the zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon. Season with AP or salt and pepper and chicken bouillon powder.

With the remaining produce, build your bird's nest.

We need onions, orange slices, lemon slices, and fresh herbs. Place a wire rack over this mixture and then place your dry brined chicken on the wire rack. Season the chicken skin with Lemon Bae seasoning and place the compound butter UNDER the chicken skin.

Roast the Chicken:

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken quarters on a rack set over a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
* Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the quarters.
* Baste the chicken towards the end with remaining compound butter

Rest and Serve:

* Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
* Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful, citrus-infused chicken quarters.

Notes

Tips for Success

Even Butter Distribution: Ensure the citrus butter is evenly spread under the skin to maximize flavor infusion.
Crispy Skin: Drying the chicken skin before applying the butter helps achieve a crispy texture during roasting.
Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting is crucial for juicy, tender meat.

Nutrition