Delicious Roast Chicken Recipe for Perfect Family Dinners
What’s up, foodies! Get your aprons on and let’s make a classic British favourite – The English Roast Chicken with Rich Gravy. Perfect for a Sunday lunch with family or friends, this dish will not disappoint.
Roast chicken is one of those dishes that can smell so good in the oven that it makes your stomach growl in anticipation. With crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s easy to see why this dish is an absolute champion and adored by so many.
This recipe not only provides step-by-step instructions on how to achieve perfect results but also offers some delicious tips on how to spice up your dish with variations and effortlessly make ahead.
So come on, food enthusiasts – let’s get cooking and make the best roast chicken dinner you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hello there, fellow foodies! If you’re looking for a flavorful and juicy classic roast chicken recipe that will surely impress your guests, look no further than this English Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe. Trust me when I say that this is hands down the best ever roast chicken recipe that I have ever tried. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also produces the most perfect juicy chicken skin and meat that you will ever taste.
The secret to the perfect roast chicken is in the seasoning. In this recipe, we use a combination of onion powder, salt, and pepper to give our chicken a mouth-watering flavor. The thyme adds just the right amount of herbaceousness and aroma that will elevate your roast chicken game. Plus, using quality roasting chickens is key! Make sure to pick out the freshest and best quality ones to ensure that your roast chicken turns out amazing.
What’s even better about this recipe? It comes with a homemade chicken gravy recipe that uses pan drippings from the roast chicken itself! Yes, you heard it right! You can make a deliciously rich and savory gravy from scratch without any store-bought mixes or artificial flavors. The combination of flour, chicken stock, and other seasonings create an out-of-this-world flavor that will complement your roast chicken perfectly.
So whether you’re cooking up a lovely Sunday dinner for your family or preparing a special meal for a holiday feast like Thanksgiving or Christmas, this English Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe is sure to become one of your go-to classics. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or even served over stuffing. In fact, I recommend pairing it with some Bisto Gravy for extra deliciousness.
Trust me on this; you’ll love how easy and tasty this recipe is. So go ahead and try making it today – I can assure you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you will need to make this Classic Roast Chicken and Gravy Recipe:
- 1 whole roasting chicken (about 5 pounds), giblets removed
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- olive oil, for rubbing the chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- a handful fresh thyme sprigs (about 8)
- Chicken stock (about 2 cups)
The Recipe How-To
Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – here’s how to make the best-ever English Roast Chicken and Gravy Recipe. Follow these simple steps and turn your Sunday dinner into a mouth-watering feast.
Ingredients
- 1 (5-pound) roasting chicken; giblets removed
- Salt and pepper, 1 tsp each
- Onion powder, 2 tsp
- Fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon
- Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Chicken stock, 2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425℉.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken dry with paper towels inside and out.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and chopped fresh thyme.
- Rub the outside of the chicken generously with olive oil.
- Truss the chicken by tying its legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the prepared chicken in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet on a bed of thinly sliced onions.
- Roast for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh reads at least 165℉ (75℃).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and place it on a platter to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare a quick pan gravy by removing most of the fat from the pan and placing it over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in all-purpose flour until well combined with any remaining bits in the pan.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Lastly, adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Tips for Perfect Results
- For a juicy chicken, be sure to allow the bird to rest at least 10 minutes before carving.
- To keep your gravy smooth and silky, continuously whisk while gradually adding in the flour and chicken stock.
- Don’t skip adding some thinly sliced onions under the chicken as it will provide more flavor to the bird.
Get ready for a classic roast dinner that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a Sunday lunch, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a cozy family meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations to make this English Roast Chicken and Gravy Recipe even more versatile and exciting.
First off, instead of using a whole roasting chicken, you can opt for just chicken thighs or legs. Not only are these cuts more budget-friendly, but they also cook faster than a whole chicken, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or Sunday lunch.
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in the dish, try adding some herbs or spices to the chicken while it roasts. You can’t go wrong with classic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage – simply chop them up and sprinkle generously over the chicken before cooking.
Additionally, the gravy recipe ingredients can also be tweaked to your liking. For a classic brown gravy taste, use beef stock instead of chicken stock. If you prefer thicker gravy, add more flour to the pan drippings when making the sauce.
For those who enjoy their roast dinner with mashed potatoes on the side (who doesn’t?), consider mixing it up with different flavored mashes – like garlic butter or cheddar cheese mash.
And lastly, for a truly traditional English roast dinner experience, serve your roast chicken with Yorkshire pudding and roasted vegetables alongside the gravy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try whipping up some Bisto gravy – it’s a favorite among many English families!
Overall, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to make this classic roast chicken recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Alright my foodies, now let’s talk about serving and pairing this classic British roast chicken and gravy recipe. Listen up, because I’ve got some hot tips for you.
First things first, you cannot go wrong with serving this dish as a Sunday lunch or a dinner with some friends and family over. The chicken is juicy, tender and full of flavor, perfect for satisfying any hungry crowd. To take it up a notch, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that lip-smacking gravy goodness.
When it comes to wine pairing, a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will nicely complement the herb-infused chicken. If beer is your beverage of choice, go for a full-bodied brew such as a porter or a stout.
But let me tell you something – if British comfort food is what you’re after, then nothing beats the classic pairing of roast chicken and Bisto gravy. It’s like taking your taste buds on a comforting trip down memory lane.
One thing to keep in mind though – this recipe makes enough for six people so don’t be afraid to throw a party or save the leftovers for meal prep throughout the week. Trust me, reheating this dish only makes it even more flavorful; just make sure to keep the chicken and gravy separated when storing and reheating.
And there you have it! Perfect roast chicken and gravy paired with traditional mashed potatoes or Bisto gravy is just what you need to take your Sunday roast dinner or any get-together to the next level. Dig in my friends!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, folks! If you’re like me and love a good Sunday roast, you know that there’s always plenty of leftovers to go around. So it’s important to know how to store that delicious roast chicken and gravy for later.
Firstly, let’s talk about make-ahead tips. You can prepare your roasting chicken a day ahead of time by seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and onion powder, placing it in a dish, covering it up and refrigerating overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and ensure tender juicy meat when cooked.
Now, when it comes to storing your leftover chicken and gravy, let me give you some top-notch advice. Make sure to separate the meat from the bones before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, your chicken won’t dry out as it sits in the fridge or freezer, and your gravy can be stored separately without ruining the texture of the meat. When frozen properly, your homemade chicken dinner can last for up to 3-4 months!
Alright, let’s move on to reheating this bad boy. I recommend reheating the gravy on the stove over medium heat until heated through while stirring frequently. For the roasted chicken meat itself, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your chicken in a cast iron skillet or baking dish covered with foil and reheat for 20-30 minutes depending on size (for larger chickens you may need up to 45 minutes). But don’t overdo it – you don’t want tough dry meat ruining all those robust flavors!
Pro tip: While reheating roasted chicken may sometimes cause dryness because of low-fat content in white meat pieces such as breast or wings, dark cuts like thighs or legs can withstand longer reheating time as they tend to be more moisty.
So there you have it guys! With these practical tips for make-ahead storage and reheating your English Roast Chicken and Gravy, you’ll be able to enjoy this classic dish all week long or even longer!
Tips for Perfect Results
Hey there! So, you’ve decided to make my English Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe? Excellent choice! Here are some tips to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly roasted and juicy every time.
1. Pat the Chicken Dry
Before seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, make sure you pat it dry with paper towels. This will ensure that the skin crisps up beautifully while roasting.
2. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet
For the best results, use a cast-iron skillet for roasting your chicken. It distributes heat evenly and retains heat well, resulting in a perfectly cooked bird.
3. Add Some Herbs
For added flavor, tuck some fresh thyme and chopped onions into the cavity of the chicken before roasting. Not only will this add depth to the flavor, but it’ll also make your kitchen smell heavenly!
4. Skim Excess Fat
After roasting, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes before carving it up. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for extra succulence.
5. Skim Off Excess Fat from the Pan Drippings
To make your gravy less greasy, skim off excess fat from the pan drippings using a spoon or by pouring it through a sieve.
6. Use Chicken Stock
To amp up the flavor of the gravy, use homemade (or store-bought) chicken stock instead of water.
7. Use Flour to Thicken Gravy
If your gravy is too thin, whisk in a tablespoon of flour until it thickens to your desired consistency.
8. Serve with Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing more comforting than pairing roast chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and brown gravy. Trust me on this one – it’s a match made in heaven!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an impressive Sunday lunch or Thanksgiving chicken that your family and friends won’t forget anytime soon. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
in a persuasive tone:
And there you have it, folks. The best ever English Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe that will leave you wanting more! This classic roast chicken recipe can be enjoyed on various occasions – from a Sunday lunch with family to a Thanksgiving dinner with friends. With simple ingredients that are readily available in your pantry, making this dish has never been easier. Impress your guests with a perfect roast chicken and homemade chicken gravy just like Ina Garten does!
As an experienced chef specializing in British cuisine, I highly recommend trying this recipe out at home. It’s easy to follow and will give you the perfect roast chicken every time. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and pay attention to every detail for the best results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add your personal touch.
When it comes to serving, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes and Bisto gravy or go all out by hosting a traditional Sunday roast dinner with all the fixings. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family so that they too can enjoy the mouth-watering flavors of this classic dish. Trust me; it’ll be their new favorite chicken dinner!
English Roast Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 -4 lbs roasting chickens
- 2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- salt
- pepper
- onion powder
- 2 -3 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- Preheat over to 350°F.
- Remove giblets, and rinse chicken. Dry chicken completely with paper towels (important). Place in a shallow roasting pan.
- Rub with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and with the salt, onion powder, and pepper.
- Remove skin from an onion, cut in half, and place into microwave safe dish into microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or just until soft.
- Place half the onion in the chicken cavity, and put the other half pulled apart in pieces all around the chicken in the pan.
- Roast chicken uncovered in the oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
- Insert meat thermometer. Temperature should be around 180°F (If you see red or pink juices coming out, it is definitely still raw).
- Once fully cooked, remove chicken from pan, saving pan drippings and let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Skim fat from pan drippings, and place pan on stove top on medium heat. (If there is a lot of juice, you may want to pour some off).
- Slowly heat the juices and whisk in flour to desired gravy thickness. If the gravy becomes too thick, just thin it out with water. Add more onion powder if desired.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.