Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken is the ultimate holiday shortcut! Juicy, golden roast chicken coated in a butter + mayo herb spread with Harlem Garlic Pepper and a dry brine for unbeatable flavor. Easy enough for a weeknight, perfect for Thanksgiving!

Close-up of Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken showing golden skin, juicy meat, and herbs.

You’ll Love This Recipe Because…

It gives you juicy, crispy-skinned chicken every single time.
You’ll get that Thanksgiving flavor without roasting a full turkey.
The Butternaise (butter + mayo) keeps the meat tender and the skin golden.
It’s a make-ahead friendly recipe that’s perfect for prepping ahead of the holidays.
Leftovers make the best sandwiches ever.

Roasted Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken in Pan — Out of the oven and ready to rest — this Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken is pure holiday comfort.

Sometimes the best recipes are happy accidents — and this Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken is exactly that. I was filming a “how to roast a chicken (or turkey!)” video when I mixed together butter, Duke’s mayo, and fresh herbs… and realized I’d just created something magical.

Close-up of Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken showing crispy golden brown skin and herbs. — That skin though. Crispy, herby, and shatteringly golden — thank you, Butternaise.

The result? A juicy, golden roast chicken with shatteringly crisp skin and buttery, herby flavor in every bite. It’s the perfect cozy centerpiece for Thanksgiving — but honestly, it’s so easy and delicious you’ll want to make it all year long.

Sunday supper, dinner party, or weeknight comfort meal — this Butternaise Chicken delivers holiday-worthy flavor without any of the fuss.

What Is Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken?

Carved Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken on a serving platter with golden skin and herbs. — Carved and ready to serve — every slice juicy, every bite full of buttery herbed flavor.

This recipe was a happy kitchen accident! While filming a “How to Roast a Chicken (or Turkey!)” video, I mixed softened butter, Duke’s mayo, Harlem Garlic Pepper, and fresh herbs — and the Thanksgiving Butternaise was born.

When spread over a dry-brined chicken, it melts into the skin as it roasts, creating that perfect blend of crisp outside and juicy inside. It’s basically a flavor jacket for your bird — rich, herby, and impossibly delicious.

Juicy slices of carved Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken breast with crispy golden skin. — Just look at that juicy meat and crispy skin — the Butternaise really does all the work for you.

Tips & Tricks

Dry brine overnight for even more flavorful, tender meat.
Make extra Butternaise — it’s incredible on turkey, roasted veggies, or warm dinner rolls.
Store leftover Butternaise in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze for later.
This same method works beautifully for turkey breasts or Cornish hens.

Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken showing golden skin, juicy meat, and herbs. — Golden skin, juicy meat, buttery flavor — this Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken is pure perfection.

What to Serve With Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken

Make it a cozy mini-Thanksgiving dinner with:

FAQ

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add a pinch more kosher salt to your Butternaise mixture.

Does this work on turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! The same method works perfectly for a whole turkey or turkey breast — just adjust your cook time.

What if I don’t have Harlem Garlic Pepper?
Use garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.

This Thanksgiving Butternaise Chicken is one of those recipes that turns a simple roast into something extraordinary. Every bite feels special — tender, flavorful, and a little indulgent.

Whether you’re cooking for a small holiday gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and homemade, this recipe fits right in. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become your go-to for when you want that “gather ‘round the table” feeling — any time of year.