Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Applesauce is a juicy whole roasted chicken with crispy skin, garlic rosemary butter, and a rustic roasted applesauce on the side. Easy enough for dinner, elegant enough for guests.
Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Applesauce
This rosemary roasted chicken is everything a comforting dinner should be. Crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and a rich garlic herb butter that melts into every bite.
Served alongside rustic roasted applesauce, this recipe feels a little special without being difficult. It is the kind of meal that smells incredible in the oven and makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking when dinner is ready.
Simple enough for a weeknight, beautiful enough for company, and delicious enough to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Chicken Dinner
- Crispy golden skin
- Juicy tender chicken
- Garlic rosemary butter flavor
- Rustic homemade applesauce
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
- Great leftovers for sandwiches and salads
There is something timeless about roasting a whole chicken. It feels impressive, but it is one of the easiest dinners you can make.
The butter under the skin helps keep the breast meat juicy while the outside becomes beautifully browned and crisp.
What Makes The Applesauce Special?
Instead of stovetop applesauce, this version roasts in the oven while the chicken cooks. The apples caramelize, concentrate in flavor, and become naturally sweet.
Mash them lightly at the end for a chunky rustic texture. It is more flavorful than jarred applesauce and pairs beautifully with savory chicken.
The Secret To Juicy Chicken
The real magic is a garlic rosemary butter spread over the chicken and gently tucked under the skin of the breast.
As the bird roasts, the butter bastes the meat from the inside while the skin crisps on the outside. The result is flavorful, moist chicken with lots of golden color.
Tips For Perfect Roast Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Loosen skin gently and spread butter underneath.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
- Roast vegetables underneath for an easy side dish.
- Save bones for homemade stock.
What To Serve With It
This dish is lovely with roasted potatoes, green beans, salad, rice, or crusty bread. The applesauce adds brightness and balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Can I Make It Ahead?
Yes. Roast the chicken earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving. Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads.
The applesauce can also be made ahead and reheated or served at room temperature.
I hope you can try this delicious rosemary roasted chicken at home. If you do, please upload a pic on Instagram and tag me @Livingsweetmoments or use the hashtag #LivingSweet. I promise to repost it.
Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 pound whole chicken
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 Braeburn Apples peeled and cubed
- 4 springs fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Place racks in the center and bottom third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F
- Dry the chicken well using paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Remove the leaves from the rosemary stalks; place the stalks in the main chicken cavity. Finely chop the leaves and mix them into the butter mixture. Finely grate the lemon zest into the rosemary mixture.
- Quarter the lemon and place it in the main chicken cavity.
- Using your fingers, separate the skin from the meat of the chicken breasts. Spread 3 tablespoons of the rosemary butter evenly under the skin. Transfer the chicken to a heavy rimmed baking sheet. Rub the remaining rosemary butter all over the chicken.
- Using kitchen twine, tie the chicken legs together. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until it is golden and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Meanwhile, toss the apples, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water in an 8-inch square baking dish. Place the apples cut side down in the dish.
- Bake for about 55 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. Transfer the apples to a cutting board and chop the apples to a coarse consistency. Transfer the applesauce to a serving bowl.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted applesauce.
Notes
- Do not rinse raw chicken. Pat dry with paper towels instead for crispier skin and safer handling.
- Use a meat thermometer and cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving so the juices stay inside the meat.
- If the skin browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last part of roasting.
- Braeburn apples are great here, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith also work well.
- For smoother applesauce, mash more thoroughly. For rustic applesauce, leave chunky.
- Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch.
- Leftover chicken is perfect for sandwiches, soups, wraps, and salads.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salad for a complete dinner.
Nutrition
Rosemary Roasted Chicken FAQs
How long does it take to roast a whole chicken?
It depends on size and oven temperature. Always cook until the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use dried rosemary?
Yes. Use less dried rosemary than fresh, since the flavor is more concentrated.
Why put butter under the skin?
It helps flavor the meat and keeps the breast juicy while roasting.
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes. Bone-in thighs, drumsticks, or split breasts all work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
What apples are best for applesauce?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith all work well alone or mixed.
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Oh’ Tiffany your Rosemary Roasted Chick with Applesauce is making my mouth water. I just pinned it and can’t wait to make it. I also like the recipe for the Ultimate Fried Green Tomato BLT. Thank you for the chance to win a Winn-Dixie gift card.
tracysdeloach@gmail.com
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I like the Ultimate Fried Green Tomato BLT.
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