Instructions

  1. Remove the giblets and neck and rinse the chicken with cold water; pat dry. Sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper. Place a mixture of the fresh herbs in the cavity. Tie the ends of the legs together with string. Lift the wingtips up and over the back, and tuck under the bird.
  2. Place the chicken on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Insert a meat thermometer into a meaty portion of the thigh, making sure it doesn't touch bone.
  3. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees for 2 hours or until the thermometer registers 180 degrees. Remove the chicken from the roasting pan, discarding the drippings.
  4. About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, start your lemon cream sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sherry and the next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Gradually stir in the whipping cream; cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  5. Cut the chicken into serving pieces, and return to the roasting pan. Pour the lemon Cream Sauce over the chicken; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil 5 1/2 inches from the heat (with an electric door partially open) 3 to 4 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.