Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, mix together the butter, salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper until a paste forms.
Spread the butter mixture over the outside of the whole chicken and in the body cavity.
Stuff the chicken cavity with thyme, onion, lemon, and garlic cloves.
Spread the rest of the garlic, lemons, onion, and fresh thyme in the bottom of a Dutch oven. Add the water, then place the chicken on top.
Cover the Dutch oven with the lid, then bake for 40 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes to an hour, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast reads at least 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes.