Ingredients

1 recipe chicken brine optional but highly recommended
5 lb whole chicken
6 tablespoons butter softened
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste go easy on the salt if you've brined your chicken
fresh herbs for garnish optional

Instructions

Brine the chicken according to recipe directions. When the chicken is done brining, rinse it then pay dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Tuck the chicken wings underneath the breast.
Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine.
Place the butter, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine.
Loosen the skin of the chicken breast. Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, both on the outside of the chicken and underneath the skin.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Cook for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F.
Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes - if the skin is getting overly dark, cover the chicken with foil.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with pan drippings and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

SIDE DISHES TO GO WITH YOUR CHICKEN
Fried Corn with Bacon
Green Bean Salad
Grilled Mushrooms
Roasted Green Beans
Mushroom Rice

CHICKEN