This slow roast chicken recipe guarantees tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. A simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 rosemary sprigs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for basting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan) or 300°F.
2. Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper and season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
3. Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon halves, onion, garlic, and rosemary sprigs.
4. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it into the skin.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the skin is golden and crispy and the juices run clear.
6. Optionally, baste the chicken with butter halfway through roasting for extra flavor.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 250-300 per serving (based on an average portion of 1/4 chicken)
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg

Why Slow Roasting is the Best Way to Cook Chicken

Slow roasting is a time-honored technique that helps retain moisture, infusing the chicken with flavor. When you slow roast chicken, you ensure that the meat becomes tender and juicy, while the skin turns crispy. This method, though requiring a bit of patience, results in a more succulent bird compared to quicker roasting methods that can dry out the meat. The long cooking time allows for the flavors of herbs and aromatics to penetrate deeply into the chicken, making each bite flavorful.

Choosing the Right Chicken for Slow Roasting

When it comes to slow roasting, selecting the right type of chicken is key. Opt for a whole, fresh chicken rather than a pre-cooked or frozen one. A free-range or organic chicken can offer superior flavor due to the conditions in which they are raised. These birds tend to have more fat, which helps with moisture retention during the long roasting process. Additionally, a medium-sized bird, around 1.5 kg, works best for this recipe, as it ensures even cooking without being too large to manage.

Preparing the Chicken for Roasting

The preparation stage is essential to achieving a perfect roast. Start by drying the chicken with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up in the oven. Moisture on the skin can result in soggy skin rather than the golden, crispy texture we desire. Once dry, it’s important to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper both inside and out. This helps to enhance the natural flavor of the meat and create a flavorful crust. You can also experiment with additional seasonings such as paprika or garlic powder for an extra burst of flavor.

The Importance of Stuffing the Chicken

Stuffing the cavity of the chicken with aromatics like lemon, garlic, and onions is a critical step in infusing the meat with flavor. The lemon releases citrus oils, which infuse the chicken with a fresh, zesty note. Garlic adds a savory depth, while onion provides a subtle sweetness. The herbs, such as rosemary, add a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the richness of the meat. This combination ensures that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor from the inside out.

Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning is more than just adding salt and pepper. The seasoning process is about balancing flavors and allowing the chicken to soak in the aromatic compounds. Whether you opt for a dry rub or marinate the chicken beforehand, the key is to give the chicken enough time to absorb the seasonings. If you’re marinating, allow the chicken to sit for several hours or overnight to let the flavors fully penetrate.

The Role of Olive Oil in Roasting

Olive oil serves a dual purpose in slow roasting. It helps to crisp the skin of the chicken, providing that irresistible golden exterior. Additionally, it contributes to the flavor profile by adding richness and a subtle fruity undertone. When you rub the oil onto the skin, it forms a thin barrier that locks in moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and tender on the inside.

The Slow Roasting Process

The slow roasting process is the heart of this recipe. The key to a successful slow roast is the low temperature and the patience to allow the chicken to cook slowly. By setting the oven to a lower temperature, the chicken cooks evenly and retains more of its natural juices. The slow process also gives time for the fat to render out, making the chicken more succulent. It’s important to avoid opening the oven door too often during roasting, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and affect the cooking time.

Basting the Chicken

While not necessary for every roast, basting the chicken with butter or its own juices during cooking can enhance flavor and moisture. This step adds richness to the skin and keeps the bird from drying out. The butter can also provide a crispy finish, making the skin even more appealing. Basting halfway through the roasting process allows the chicken to absorb these flavors without becoming overly greasy.

Resting the Chicken After Roasting

After the chicken has finished roasting, it’s essential to let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each slice is as juicy and tender as possible. Cutting the chicken immediately after roasting may result in juices running out, leading to drier meat. The resting period helps retain moisture, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Roasting Times and Temperature

The cooking time for a slow roast chicken typically ranges from 1.5 to 2 hours at a temperature of 150°C (300°F). The exact time can vary based on the size of the chicken, so it’s important to check for doneness by ensuring the juices run clear when pierced or using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh to be considered fully cooked.

Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Cooking Process

One of the common mistakes when roasting chicken is rushing the cooking process by turning up the heat. While this might give you a quicker roast, it also leads to uneven cooking, dry meat, and undercooked sections. By opting for a slower, lower heat method, you give the bird time to cook evenly, rendering the fat properly and producing a crisp skin with tender meat.

Roasting Vegetables Alongside the Chicken

A great way to make a one-pan meal is to roast vegetables alongside your chicken. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips can be placed around the chicken in the roasting pan. As the chicken roasts, the vegetables absorb the flavorful juices, becoming tender and rich in flavor. Be sure to cut the vegetables into even-sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate as the chicken.

Choosing the Right Roasting Pan

The choice of roasting pan can affect how evenly the chicken cooks. A heavy-duty, oven-safe pan is ideal for slow roasting, as it retains heat well and distributes it evenly. A pan with low sides allows heat to circulate the chicken, ensuring a crispy skin. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can place the chicken directly in the pan, but using a rack can help elevate the bird, allowing the fat to drip away, leading to a crispier skin.

Why Resting Time is Crucial for Carving

Resting time isn’t just about moisture retention; it’s also essential for proper carving. When you carve the chicken immediately after roasting, the meat is more likely to fall apart and lose its structure. Allowing it to rest ensures that the meat firms up, making it easier to carve neatly and serve. Additionally, the resting time gives the chicken a few moments to cool slightly, preventing it from being too hot to handle.

Making the Perfect Gravy with Roasting Juices

After the chicken has finished roasting, you can make a delicious gravy using the drippings left in the pan. The drippings are packed with flavor, and by adding a little flour and stock, you can create a rich, savory sauce to complement your chicken. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan, as they are full of flavor, and whisk them into the gravy for a deep, hearty taste.

Leftover Chicken Ideas

Once you’ve enjoyed your slow roast chicken, you can use any leftovers in a variety of ways. Shred the chicken and use it in soups, salads, sandwiches, or tacos. You can also make chicken pies or casseroles for a comforting meal the next day. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for longer storage.

Pairing Wine with Slow Roasted Chicken

A slow roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines. A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the chicken and helps balance the richness. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied option such as Pinot Noir works well, as it won’t overpower the chicken’s delicate flavor. The right wine enhances the overall dining experience and adds to the enjoyment of this dish.

How to Achieve Crispy Chicken Skin

Achieving crispy skin is one of the most important goals when slow roasting a chicken. To ensure the skin crisps up perfectly, make sure the chicken is dry before cooking. Rub it with oil or butter and season it generously. The oil helps to promote browning, while the seasoning adds flavor. During cooking, don’t be afraid to baste the chicken with its own juices, as this will help achieve that coveted golden, crispy skin.

Slow Roasting vs. Traditional Roasting

Traditional roasting involves cooking the chicken at a higher temperature, which can result in a faster cook time. However, slow roasting is the superior technique when it comes to flavor and texture. The lower, slower heat ensures that the chicken retains its moisture and develops a tender, juicy interior while allowing the skin to crisp up. This method also allows the flavors to develop more deeply, making the final dish much more flavorful.

Conclusion

Slow roasting a chicken may take time, but the results are well worth the effort. The tender, juicy meat paired with crispy skin and deeply infused flavors makes this recipe a standout. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a simple family meal, slow roasting is a foolproof way to achieve a delicious, comforting dish. With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create a meal that will impress everyone at the table.