This savory Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken is made with a whole chicken, simple herbs like rosemary and thyme, and a hint of lemon and garlic. This recipe creates a perfectly golden-brown chicken with wonderfully crispy skin and meat that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It’s the ultimate centerpiece for a classic Sunday roast, an easy family meal, and a dish that everyone will love.
Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, approximately 1.5-2 kg (3-4 lbs)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 whole garlic head, halved horizontally
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp softened butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Vegetables for Roasting:
- 1 kg potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered
How To Make Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Flavor the chicken: Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub the softened butter under the skin, spreading it evenly. Rub the entire outside of the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity: Place the halved lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme inside the chicken cavity. This will infuse the meat with wonderful flavor and moisture as it roasts.
- Roast the chicken: Place the chicken in a large roasting tin. If you’re using vegetables, arrange them around the chicken and season them with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the tin in the preheated oven.
- Cook the chicken: Roast the chicken for approximately 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kg), plus an extra 20 minutes. For a 1.5 kg chicken, this would be around 90-100 minutes. The chicken is cooked when the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a carving board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period is essential for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender. Carve and serve with the roasted vegetables.
Recipe Tips
- Pat it dry: The number one tip for crispy skin is to make sure the chicken is as dry as possible on the outside before you put it in the oven. You can even leave it uncovered in the fridge for a few hours.
- The power of butter: Rubbing softened butter under the skin not only adds flavor and richness but also helps the skin become beautifully crisp and golden.
- Don’t forget to rest: This is arguably the most important step for a juicy roast chicken. If you carve it too soon, all the delicious juices will run out onto the board, leaving you with dry meat.
- Use a meat thermometer: To be absolutely sure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
What To Serve Roast Chicken
This classic roast chicken is the star of the show. It’s traditionally served with roasted potatoes and vegetables that have cooked in the same pan to soak up the chicken juices. Other classic accompaniments include Yorkshire puddings, mashed potatoes, and a rich gravy made from the pan drippings. A side of steamed greens or a simple salad can also provide a fresh contrast.
How To Store Roast Chicken Leftovers
Refrigerate: Once the chicken has cooled, remove the meat from the bone and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cooked chicken meat can be frozen for up to 3 months. Once cooled, place the shredded or sliced meat in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 40g
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get the crispiest skin? The keys to crispy skin are: patting the chicken dry, rubbing it with a fat like butter or oil, and roasting it at a high initial temperature. Avoid covering the chicken with foil during the main cooking time.
- Can I make a gravy with the pan juices? Absolutely. After you remove the chicken, you can make a delicious gravy. Place the roasting tin on the stovetop, add a spoonful of flour, and stir to form a paste. Then, gradually add hot chicken stock, stirring constantly to make a smooth gravy.
- How do I know the chicken is cooked without a thermometer? The traditional test is to pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer. If the juices that run out are completely clear, the chicken is cooked. If they are still pink, it needs a little more time.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Pulled Pork Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Paprika Chicken Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Lamb Shanks Recipe
Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Recipe
Description
This Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken recipe creates the perfect classic Sunday roast. A whole chicken is seasoned with herbs, lemon, and garlic, then roasted until the skin is beautifully crisp and the meat is incredibly juicy and tender.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry. Rub butter under the skin, then rub oil over the entire chicken. Season generously.
- Stuff and roast: Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Place the chicken in a roasting tin, add any vegetables around it, and roast for about 90-100 minutes.
- Check for doneness: The chicken is done when the juices run clear from the thigh.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
