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This creamy lemon and herb pot roasted chicken is simple to make, decadent, and bursting with fresh flavors. See how easy it is to make chicken in a Dutch oven!
Try my Sunday Pot Roast or Red Wine Braised Short Ribs next.
Why you’ll love it
Since publishing this chicken pot roast recipe, lovely readers have described it as everything from “mystical” to “swoon-worthy” and “literally the best roasted chicken“. Something special definitely happens in the oven to make the dreamy, rich sauce with fresh herbs and white wine!
This creamy whole roasted chicken is moist and juicy, and the potatoes melt in your mouth. It’s a one pot meal that might just be the tastiest thing you’ll make in your Dutch oven. Maybe my favorite part is how it’s really, really easy to make for a beautiful Sunday dinner!
What you’ll need
- Chicken – I like to make this with a 4 pound chicken since it’s cooked for quite a long time, so aim for one that size. Basically, 3-4 pounds should be good.
- Lemon – a whole lemon infuses the chicken with brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess
- Seasoning rub – salt & pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika add so much flavor directly to the meat
- Garlic – a generous amount to amp up the savory flavor
- Butter and chicken broth – for richness and moisture as the base of the sauce
- Heavy cream – using heavy cream ensures the sauce is perfectly rich and doesn’t separate
- White wine – use a dry variety that you enjoy the taste of. Try sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.
- Fresh rosemary, tarragon, oregano, and parsley – these fresh herbs pair perfectly with poultry
- Potatoes – baby potatoes cook right along in the pot with the chicken
Pro tip
- Use heavy cream for this recipe as a lower fat alternative is highly likely to curdle. Some readers have discovered this the hard way! I recommend measuring it out and letting it warm up a bit on your counter rather than adding it straight from the fridge.
How to roast a chicken in a Dutch oven
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
It’s a simple two-step process. First, cook the seasoned chicken along with the lemon, garlic cloves, rosemary, butter, and broth for 45 minutes. Then add in the potatoes, tarragon and oregano, cream, and wine. Let the sauce reduce and chicken become golden, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy! Easy peasy.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I used a 5.5 quart Dutch oven. Make sure your Dutch oven or baking dish is deep enough that there’s at least an inch and a half clearance from the top after you’ve added the potatoes in so that it doesn’t bubble all over your oven.
- Use an instant read thermometer to ensure the chicken is properly cooked.
- Melamine cooking spoons are tried and true ones I use every time I’m cooking since they don’t scratch pots and pans.
- For the liquid measurements, my go-to is this measuring cup set.
- If you have leftover herbs, store them in a herb keeper to keep them fresh.
Substitutions and variations
- This is one recipe that doesn’t lend itself well to any kind of substitutions. It’s been tested extensively, so give it a try as written for the same delicious results!
- It is super important to use heavy cream here. Don’t substitute for anything with a lower fat content. It won’t turn out as intended, and the sauce will break.
What to serve with this pot roast chicken
- I like it with steamed vegetables, my Easy Asparagus Recipe, or these Glazed Carrots.
- Craving a big salad to go with it? Dress up spring mix and veggies with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing, or try this refreshing Creamy Cucumber Salad.
- A dinner roll or slice of fresh crusty bread is fantastic to dip into the sauce.
Leftovers and storage
- This chicken and potatoes recipe makes excellent leftovers. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat slowly in a saucepan until warmed through. Use a low heat.
- I don’t recommend freezing this one due to the creamy sauce.
If you made this Dutch oven chicken recipe, leave a star rating and review below! Talk to me if the post didn’t answer all of your questions. Tag me #saltandlavender with a photo on Instagram!
Creamy Lemon and Herb Pot Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 pounds
- 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 5-6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups heavy cream see note
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 425F.
- Add the chicken to a Dutch oven. Prick the lemon with a knife in several places, and then insert the lemon in the chicken's cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Place the rosemary sprigs and garlic cloves around the chicken. Cut the butter into smaller slices and place it around the chicken. Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven. Cover and place in the oven and roast for 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, chop the oregano and tarragon and cut the potatoes into halves.
- Add the cream, white wine, oregano, tarragon, and potatoes to the pot. Place it back in the oven and cook for another 45 minutes, uncovered.
- Before serving, remove the rosemary sprigs. Chop the parsley, and then sprinkle it on as you’re ready to dish up.
Notes
- I can’t say this strongly enough: use heavy cream and do not sub for something lower fat as it will curdle. Heavy cream is 36% fat or higher.
- Make sure your Dutch oven or baking dish is deep enough that there’s at least an inch and a half from the top after you’ve added the potatoes in so that it doesn’t bubble all over your oven. My Dutch oven has a 5.5 quart capacity.
- Serves 4-6 depending on portion size.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Fantastic, so flavorful and tender. Was concerned heavy cream would make too rich – not at all! It was perfect. Served for a Greek night before watching Mama Mia. It was such a hit, the recipe was requested. This will be an entertaining go to dish!
I love that!! Thanks so much for letting me know, Elaine!
Made it for the first time and it was delicious. Mine ended up very watery and not creamy at all. I followed the recipe. Any suggestions on which liquid to cut back on?
Hi Lisa! I’m glad you enjoyed the flavor. You could cut back on the chicken broth and/or at a cornstarch slurry at the end if you want to thicken up the sauce still. It isn’t a super thick sauce, but it should definitely be creamy.
This recipe is a staple in my house. I’ve been cooking it for over a year now, and have told everyone I know about the recipe. I also add fresh green beans to the pot when I add the potatoes and serve the meal with rice.
Fantastic!! 😀 Thanks, Jenny!
Hi!! This is one of my favorite recipes, literally hands down best flavor. Is there any way I could make this with just chicken breast? How would you modify? It’s only me and my husband and we both prefer breast! Curious if you think boneless skinless chicken breast would work or if bone in would be better?
Hi Talia! I’m glad it’s a fave! So, it’s really hard for me to just guess without testing. I’d say bone-in would be better for a recipe like this. I have a creamy herb chicken breasts recipe that you may like that has been tested specifically for boneless skinless chicken breasts that you could try here: https://www.saltandlavender.com/creamy-herb-chicken-recipe/
Amazing recipe! A new go-to for regular dinners but also fancy enough to impress the in-laws 🙂
Thank you, Sydney! 😀
Delish!!! The whole family…who rarely agree on things loved it! Will certainly be making again!
Yay!! Thanks, Julie!