5 steps to: Perfect roast chicken

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Follow these five simple steps for juicy roast chicken, every time.

  1. Make a base

    Peel and halve a few onions and carrots, and make a base of these in your roasting dish. This adds delicious aromatic flavour and ensures that your chicken won’t get soggy.

  2. Pat dry and season

    After washing your chicken, pat dry thoroughly – this will help ensure a crispy skin. Then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

  3. Butter it up and add flavour

    Dot a few pats of butter over the top of the chicken, a rub into and under the skin. Then stuff the cavity with a few sprigs of fresh thyme (or any of your favourite fresh herbs) and half an onion.

     

  4. Roast

    Place the seasoned and buttered chicken onto the carrot and onion base, and roast for 50 to 60 minutes.

  5. Rest then serve

    Once the chicken is cooked, make a little ‘tent’ of foil and place it over the roast. This will give the juices time to reabsorb, creating that deliciously juicy meat you love. Leave it like this for 15 minutes – the perfect time to get the last dishes onto the table – then serve!

     

    And leftover? Here are five delicious ways with leftover chicken. Read more >