Roast chicken
Roast chicken is one of the most popular dishes in English cuisine. This simple and delicious dish is perfect for a family dinner or a dinner party with friends. The juicy and flavorful chicken is the star of the show and can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. With a little bit of preparation and the right cooking techniques, you can create a roast chicken that is both succulent and crispy.
The first step in making a perfect roast chicken is to choose a good quality bird. Look for a chicken that is plump and has a firm texture. A free-range chicken is the best option as it will have a better flavor and texture than a chicken that has been raised indoors. Once you have your chicken, you need to prepare it for cooking.
The preparation of the chicken involves several steps, including cleaning, seasoning, and stuffing. To clean the chicken, remove any giblets or organs that are inside the cavity. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, ensuring that you cover all parts of the chicken.
Stuffing the chicken is a great option if you want to add some extra flavor to your dish. Common stuffing ingredients include herbs, onions, garlic, and lemon. You can also add bread crumbs and sausage for a heartier stuffing. Once you have stuffed the chicken, you are ready to cook it.
There are several cooking methods that you can use to cook your roast chicken. The most popular method is to roast the chicken in the oven. This method involves placing the chicken on a roasting tray and cooking it in the oven for around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The oven should be preheated to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. You can also add vegetables such as carrots and potatoes to the roasting tray for an easy one-pan meal.
Another option is to cook the chicken on a rotisserie. This method involves cooking the chicken on a spit that rotates around a heat source. This method is perfect for outdoor cooking and results in a juicy and flavorful chicken.
No matter which cooking method you choose, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked properly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C/165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. This ensures that the chicken is cooked all the way through and is safe to eat.
Once your chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken and results in a juicier and tastier bird. Serve the chicken with your choice of sides and sauces, and enjoy a delicious and classic English dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, around 3-4 pounds
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F.
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Rinse the chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and garlic.
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Rub the butter mixture all over the chicken, making sure it is coated well.
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Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan.
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Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
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Pour the chicken stock over the vegetables in the pan.
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Cover the pan with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven.
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Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Remove the pan from the oven, and transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 15-20 minutes.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables from the pan and place them in a serving dish.
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Use a whisk to mix the flour into the remaining liquid in the pan until it is smooth.
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Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and becomes a gravy.
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Serve the roasted chicken with the vegetables and gravy. Enjoy!