Butter-Basted Dutch Oven Chicken

Pasture-raised chickens from a regenerative farm like Tyner Pond Farm are more than just a meal—they’re a source of nutrient-rich, clean food for your family. Raised on open pastures and rotated regularly to restore the land, these chickens are higher in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals compared to industrially farmed poultry. They’re a reflection of sustainable, thoughtful farming practices that prioritize the health of the soil, the animals, and the people who enjoy the food. This simple Dutch oven recipe highlights the natural quality of a pasture-raised chicken without relying on complicated techniques or excessive ingredients. Using just a few items like onions, lemons, fresh herbs, and butter, you can create a satisfying meal for 3-4 people. At about $6-$8 per serving, this dish combines good nutrition with an affordable approach to eating responsibly-raised meat.

Here’s how to make it.

Chris Baggott from Tyner Pond Farm walks through the steps of preparing a simple and nutritious Butter-Basted Dutch Oven Chicken [fusion_button link="https://tynerpondfarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Butter-Herb-Roasted-Chicken-Google-Docs.pdf" title="" target="_self" link_attributes="" aria_role_button="0" alignment_medium="" alignment_small="" alignment="" modal="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" color="default" button_gradient_top_color_hover="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" button_gradient_top_color="" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="" button_gradient_bottom_color="" gradient_start_position="" gradient_end_position="" gradient_type="" radial_direction="" linear_angle="" accent_hover_color="" accent_color="" type="" bevel_color="" bevel_color_hover="" border_top="" border_right="" border_bottom="" border_left="" border_radius_top_left="" border_radius_top_right="" border_radius_bottom_right="" border_radius_bottom_left="" border_hover_color="" border_color="" size="" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" fusion_font_family_button_font="" fusion_font_variant_button_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" stretch="default" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" icon="" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="none" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]Print Recipe[/fusion_button]

Ingredients:

• 1 pasture-raised chicken (4 lbs)
• 2 medium onions
• 2 lemons
• 4-5 tablespoons butter (softened)
• Fresh rosemary (2-3 sprigs)
• Fresh thyme (2-3 sprigs)
• Salt and black pepperAny additional spices you prefer (e.g., garlic powder, paprika)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp up. Generously season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with one lemon (quartered) and a sprig each of rosemary and thyme. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken, starting at the breast area, and rub the butter mixture under the skin. Spread any remaining butter over the outside of the chicken.

Prepare the Dutch Oven:

Slice the onions and the second lemon into thick rounds and arrange them in the bottom of the Dutch oven. These will act as a bed for the chicken. Place the chicken on top of the onion and lemon slices, breast-side up.

Roast the Chicken:

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the oven. Roast for about 1 hour. After an hour, remove the lid to allow the skin to brown. Continue roasting, raising the temperature to 475 uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (thigh or breast) reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken from the Dutch oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with the roasted onions and lemons as a side or garnish.

Notes:

Pasture-raised chicken tends to cook a little faster than conventionally raised chicken, so keep an eye on the temperature to avoid overcooking. You can spoon some of the rendered juices from the Dutch oven over the chicken for extra flavor before serving.

Ingredients and Costs:

• Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs): $20
• Butter (4-5 tablespoons): $0.56
• Fresh Rosemary (2-3 sprigs): $0.50
• Fresh Thyme (2-3 sprigs): $0.50
• Salt and Black Pepper: Negligible
• Additional Spices: Negligible
• Onions (2 medium): $1.40 (about $0.70 each)
• Lemons (2): $1.00 (about $0.50 each)

Total Estimated Cost: $23.96

Cost Per Serving:

For 4 servings: $23.96 ÷ 4 = $5.99 per serving For 3 servings: $23.96 ÷ 3 = $7.99 per serving [fusion_button link="https://tynerpondfarm.com/shop/Whole-Chicken-p708495556" title="" target="_self" link_attributes="" aria_role_button="0" alignment_medium="" alignment_small="" alignment="" modal="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" sticky_display="normal,sticky" class="" id="" color="default" button_gradient_top_color_hover="" hue="" saturation="" lightness="" alpha="" button_gradient_top_color="" button_gradient_bottom_color_hover="" button_gradient_bottom_color="" gradient_start_position="" gradient_end_position="" gradient_type="" radial_direction="" linear_angle="" accent_hover_color="" accent_color="" type="" bevel_color="" bevel_color_hover="" border_top="" border_right="" border_bottom="" border_left="" border_radius_top_left="" border_radius_top_right="" border_radius_bottom_right="" border_radius_bottom_left="" border_hover_color="" border_color="" size="" padding_top="" padding_right="" padding_bottom="" padding_left="" fusion_font_family_button_font="" fusion_font_variant_button_font="" font_size="" line_height="" letter_spacing="" text_transform="" stretch="default" margin_top="" margin_right="" margin_bottom="" margin_left="" icon="" icon_position="left" icon_divider="no" hover_transition="none" animation_type="" animation_direction="left" animation_color="" animation_speed="0.3" animation_delay="0" animation_offset=""]Shop Tyner Pond Chicken[/fusion_button]