Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 3 to 4-pound chicken
2 small lemons, quartered

For Compound Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
3 onions, quartered
5 carrots, peeled and chopped in 1-inch pieces

PREPARATION

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Wash the chicken thoroughly in cold water, both inside and out. Remove all the bits of fat hanging loose. Let the bird sit for about 10 minutes on a slightly titled plate to let all the water drain out of it. Pat it thoroughly dry all over with cloth or paper towels.

Soften each lemon by placing it on a counter and rolling it back and forth as you put firm downward pressure on it with the palm of your hand. Prick the lemons in at least 20 places each, using a fork. Place both lemons in the birds cavity. Close up the opening with toothpicks or by trussing. To make the compound butter, mix the butter, herbs, and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Smooth compound butter under the skin of the chicken breast, being mindful not to tear the membrane connecting the skin to the breast.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Roast chicken for 30 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and add onions and carrots. Place chicken and vegetables back in the oven and until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of inner thigh registers 180°F, about 1 hour.

Once out of oven, allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm.