Lemon-Herb Roasted Chicken

1 chicken (3 1/2 pounds), rinsed and patted dry
2 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, quartered
1/3 cup dry white wine, or water or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a roasting pan with a rack, set aside. Rub chicken all over with garlic and then with 2 tablespoons butter. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Place garlic cloves and lemon pieces inside the cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine.

Place chicken on rack in prepared pan and tuck the wing tips under. Roast until the juices run clear when the thigh is pierced, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Transfer chicken to a platter, and discard twine. Keep warm.

Place roasting pan on the stove over medium-high heat, and stir in the wine, thyme, and any accumulated juices from the platter. Bring to a boil, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. If desired, stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Pass through a fine mesh sieve. Serve sauce with the chicken.

Cook's Note

To keep the chicken in an attractive shape, tuck the wings underneath, and tie the legs together with kitchen string.