on Dec 20, 2020, Updated Apr 20, 2021 This is probably one of the most requested recipes every year on Christmas and so I took up the challenge to do this at home. Herb Garlic Roasted Chicken is SUCH a delicious meal and so satisfying when you’re craving for roast and mash. This is a complete meal with all the works – roasted veggies – I’ve used sweet potatoes and onions – and made gravy from the leftover meat juices. So satisfying. Plus, nothing goes to waste! This recipe took us a few trials before we nailed it. Like the rest of the world, we wanted the chicken cooked just right – tender, succulent and juicy with a crispy skin. Don’t get intimidated by this recipe, I’ve explained each and every step in detail so that it’s simple to follow. You can also take a look at the video below!
How to Make Herb Garlic Butter
The herbs we have used are thyme and sage, and some people also like to add parsley. They are not overpowering and they beautifully complement each other. We’ve added some paprika and ground pepper for a hit of heat. My favourite and most underrated ingredient is lemon for some citrusy zing! Everything is mixed with butter – this is such a simple marinade with clean flavours. We use this herb butter under and on the skin which is how this roast chicken recipe is packed with flavour.
Three Important Steps For The Best Crispy Skin Roast Chicken
How To Cook A Whole Chicken
I like to use a cast iron skillet to roast the chicken and veggies, but any roasting pan will do. Elevate the chicken (breast side up) by placing it on top of the veggies – this way the meat juices will easily drip down into the pan. A drizzle of olive oil on top ensures it gets that golden colour. With me so far? Great job! We’ve added chicken stock and a few sprigs of rosemary to the pan. And we’ll use these reduced juices to make a delicious jus. Yum yum!
Top Tips To Roast The Chicken Perfectly
If your chicken was refrigerated, take it out of the fridge 60 minutes before you are ready to roast it to bring it to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.Preheat the oven at 200 degrees C. Preheating helps to cook the meat evenly.Bake the chicken at 200 degrees C for about 25-30 minutesThe cooking time will differ based on the size of the chicken. The general rule is 25 minutes cook time for 500 grams of chicken. Our 1 kg whole roast chicken took about 50 minutes to cook. After baking for 30 minutes, baste the chicken – with the rendered fat and juices of the chicken and veggies in the bottom of the pan. After basting it, put the chicken back in the oven for another 20 minutes.At this point, if the skin is browning up too quickly, place another tray on the rack above the chicken. This will prevent the heat from hitting the chicken skin directly.You’ll know the chicken is done when the oven temperature hits 75C or 165F, OR when you see those meat juices running clear.Rest for 10-15 minutes before carving
How to Carve Chicken
Now it’s carving time! Cut off and remove the twine completely. Use a fork and a meat knife and cut between the joints of the leg and body. If your chicken is cooked perfectly, it should cut right through without any hassle. Next, keeping your hand for support, horizontally slice off each breast of the chicken. The wings can be taken off next. And finally, you can shred any extra meat off the carcass. The carcass is perfect to make stock.
Roast Chicken Gravy – A Sauce Made From the meat juices
Usually the gravy is made with a roux of flour and butter and the meat juices. We’ve taken a shortcut by directly whisking in flour. (Just saving you and me a couple of extra steps!) The jus will turn out to be a nice golden brown and saucy. It’s my favourite part of the dish coz it’s like all components of this dish rolled into one! Plus we don’t want to waste a single bit of flavour in that pan. Serve this jus in an elegant piece of crockery, and pour it onto the chicken pieces in front of your guests. How’s that for presentation? 🙂 Serve Roast Chicken with grilled veggies, Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes and a glass of white wine!
More Roasted Chicken Dinners:
Roast Spatchcock ChickenIndian Style Masala Roast ChickenHoney Balsamic Chicken ThighsCreamy bacon Rosemary Chicken ThighsCaramelized Onion Rosemary Chicken Thighs
Watch How to make Roast Chicken Recipe Video
