Name: How To Roast a Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1.60 kg Whole chicken; 2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter; 2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Black pepper; 1 tsp Paprika (optional, for colour); 4 Garlic cloves, crushed; 1 Lemon, halved; Few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or parsley; 2 Onions, quartered; 2 Carrots, chopped into chunks; 2 Potatoes, chopped into chunks (optional)

AuthorNick

CategoryDinner, Lunch

DifficultyIntermediate

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time1 hr 20 mins

There’s something timeless and comforting about a perfectly roasted chicken. Golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat come together in a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a family gathering or a simple weeknight dinner, roast chicken has a way of bringing people to the table. With just a few basic ingredients and the right recipe, this versatile classic transforms into a feast that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Let's explore the secrets to crafting the perfect roast chicken!

How To Prepare Roasted Chicken

Preparing a chicken for roasting begins with proper seasoning to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness. Start by removing the giblets from the cavity, generously season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage. For added flavour, rub the skin with olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkle with herbs or spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary. To infuse the meat with aromatics, stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and sprigs of fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley. Finally, truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and a beautiful presentation. At this point, your chicken is ready to go into the oven for roasting.

How Long To Roast a Chicken

To begin, cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C for the first 10 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 170°C (170°C fan/Gas Mark 3) and continue roasting.

The roasting time for a chicken depends on its weight and the oven temperature. A general guideline is to roast a whole chicken at 170°C for 20 minutes per 500g (1 lb), plus an additional 20 minutes. Add 5 minutes to the calculated roasting time for best results.

Here’s a quick reference for roasting times at 170°C (after the initial 10 minutes at 200°C):

1.5kg (3.3 lbs): -1 hour 5 mins
1.6kg (3.5 lbs): -1 hour 20 minutes
2kg (4.4 lbs): -1 hour 30 minutes

Always ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 75°C, or that the juices run clear when pierced.

How To Know When a Chicken Is Cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone). The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Alternatively, pierce the thigh with a skewer. The juices should run clear, not pink.

What To Serve With Roast Chicken

Roast chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides, making it perfect for any occasion. Classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and rich gravy highlight its hearty, comforting appeal. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, provide a refreshing balance. If you’re craving something indulgent, try serving it with mac and cheese or buttery stuffing. Crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up flavourful juices, while grain-based sides like rice pilaf or quinoa salad add a nutritious twist. Whatever your choice, the right sides will elevate your roast chicken to a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

If you have leftover chicken, check out our blog on “Can You Reheat Chicken” for tips on reheating safely and maintaining flavour.

Shopping list

1 whole chicken (1.6kg)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (optional, for colour)
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 lemon, halved
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley
2 onions, quartered
2 carrots, chopped into chunks
2 potatoes, chopped into chunks (optional)

Method

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C

Prepare the Chicken:
Remove the giblets from the cavity of the chicken (if included)

Season the Chicken:

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using)

Stuff the Cavity:
Stuff the cavity with the crushed garlic cloves, lemon halves, and herbs.

Prepare the Vegetables:

Place the onions, carrots, and potatoes (if using) in a roasting tray.
Drizzle the vegetables with a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.

Place the Chicken in the Tray:

Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
Tuck the wingtips under the bird to prevent burning.

Roast the Chicken:

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This will help to crisp up the skin
After 10 minutes, lower the temperature to 17o°C (150°C fan/gas mark 3) for the remainder of the cooking time, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest park of the thigh with a skewer.
Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F)

Rest the Chicken:

Remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminium foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serve:

Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables and your favourite side dishes, like gravy , salad, or bread rolls.

Ingredients

1.60 kg Whole chicken

2 tbsp Olive oil or melted butter

2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Black pepper

1 tsp Paprika (optional, for colour)

4 Garlic cloves, crushed

1 Lemon, halved

Few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme or parsley

2 Onions, quartered

2 Carrots, chopped into chunks

2 Potatoes, chopped into chunks (optional)

Directions