Broiled Lemon-Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

* 2 lemons
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
* 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
* Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
* 2 half chickens (3 to 3 1/4 pounds total)

Directions

Position an oven rack about 8 to 10 inches from the broiler and preheat. Grate the lemon zest and combine in a small bowl with the butter, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Mash with a fork to make a smooth paste.

With your fingers, gently loosen the skin on the chicken breasts, legs and thighs. Spread the flavored butter under the skin as evenly as possible. Halve the lemons and squeeze 2 halves over the chicken; season with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken skin-side up on a broiler pan (or a rack on a baking sheet). Position the halves about 2 inches apart with the thick parts of the legs facing the center. Arrange the remaining 2 lemon halves cut-side down next to the chicken.