Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Roast Chicken Recipe is a juicy and flavorful dish, which uses whole chicken and fresh herbs. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour 55 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

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

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help crisp the skin.
2. Flavor the chicken: Gently loosen skin over breast meat and rub softened butter underneath. Rub outside with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the cavity: Insert halved lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme into the cavity for aromatic flavor.
4. Roast the chicken: Place chicken in a large roasting tin. Arrange vegetables around it if using, season, and drizzle with oil. Place in the preheated oven.
5. Cook the chicken: Roast for 20 minutes per pound (45 minutes per kg), plus 20 extra minutes. For a 1.5 kg chicken, this is about 90–100 minutes. Check doneness by piercing the thigh—the juices should run clear.
6. Rest and serve: Transfer chicken to a board, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• How to get crispy skin:
  Patting the chicken dry and rubbing it with oil before roasting ensures crisp, golden skin.
• Can I use dried herbs?
  Yes, but fresh herbs provide a more aromatic result.
• Why rest the chicken before carving?
  Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
• How do I know it’s fully cooked?
  Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
• What if I don’t have a roasting tin?
  Use a baking tray with a wire rack or an oven-safe skillet.

What To Serve With Roast Chicken

Roast chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few favorites:

• Roasted root vegetables
• Mashed or roast potatoes
• Gravy or pan sauce
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Homemade stuffing or Yorkshire pudding

How To Store Roast Chicken

Refrigerate:
Cool leftovers completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze:
Freeze cooked chicken in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly.

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

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I roast chicken without stuffing the cavity?
Yes, but adding lemon and herbs enhances the flavor and moisture.

How can I use the pan drippings?
Make a quick gravy by simmering them with a bit of flour and stock.

Should I truss the chicken?
It’s optional—trussing helps the chicken cook more evenly, but isn’t necessary.

Can I cook vegetables separately?
Yes, roast them on a separate tray if you want them crispier.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Rice Pudding Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Piccalilli Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe