When your having a Sunday Roast Chicken, the day is always going to be a good one. Whether it’s the centrepiece of a Sunday family dinner or a midweek indulgence, a roast chicken carries with it an air of tradition and satisfaction that never fades. But while the concept seems simple—pop it in the oven and wait for it to cook—there’s a world of nuance that can elevate your bird from good to extraordinary.
The key to a succulent Sunday Roast Chicken lies in preparation. A good roast begins with a well-chosen bird—free-range, if possible, for superior flavour and texture. The roasting process starts before the bird even touches the oven. A dry skin equals crispy results, so patting the chicken dry with paper towels is a must. This simple step sets the stage for a golden, crackling exterior.
When it comes to seasoning, this is where creativity shines:
- Herbaceous option: Use rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an earthy, aromatic experience.
- Zesty brightness: Stuff the cavity with garlic and lemon wedges to infuse fresh, citrusy notes.
- Bold and smoky: Create a rub with smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander for a smoky, spicy allure.
- Savoury indulgence: Slide herbed butter under the skin to baste the meat from within while enhancing the flavour of the skin.
- Sweet finish: Brush the chicken with a honey-mustard glaze halfway through roasting for a caramelised touch.
- Exotic flair: Infuse melted butter with saffron and use it for basting to add a luxurious depth of flavour.
One of the most overlooked steps is letting the chicken rest after roasting. Once it emerges from the oven, the temptation to carve into it is almost irresistible, but patience pays off. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Pair your roast chicken with classic sides like roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal to remember. Whether you prefer simplicity or bold experimentation, roasting a chicken offers endless possibilities. Embrace the ritual, savour the aroma, and enjoy the reward of this timeless dish.
Sunday Roast Chicken
Equipment
- Roasting pan with a rack
- Kitchen twine
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is as dry as possible for a crispy result.1 large chicken
- Rub olive oil all over the chicken to help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly over the entire bird, including inside the cavity.2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.
- Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve the chicken into portions and serve with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
18 comments
The smell of this cooking is mouth watering. The taste made it worth the wait. Simple yet do so good.
The instructions were spot on. Thank you.
I added a sprig of rosemary inside the cavity, and it gave the chicken a subtle, extra layer of flavour.
I used the pan drippings to make a quick gravy, and it complemented the chicken perfectly.
The skin was so crispy, and the meat was incredibly juicy. I can’t believe such a simple recipe could taste this amazing.
I was amazed at how juicy the meat turned out! Letting it rest after roasting really made a difference.
As a beginner cook, I found this recipe easy to follow, and the results were outstanding.
The simple seasoning of salt and pepper really brought out the natural flavours of the chicken. Highly recommend!
Highly recommend for any occasion.
This is now my go-to roast chicken recipe! Simple and tasty = perfect in a bust household.
The chicken was tender, and the crispy skin was the highlight for me. Everything have flavour overload.
Such a classic recipe, and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for.
Perfect for a Sunday dinner with the family. It paired beautifully with roasted carrots and potatoes.
This roast chicken was absolutely perfect
I loved how straightforward this recipe was. No fancy ingredients, just great technique that lets the chicken shine.
Simple, yet so satisfying.
I’m not usually a fan of plain seasoning, but this dish changed my mind.
Ive never been one for cooking but tried this yesurday. Well my family devoured it and asked for seconds.