The Ultimate Roast Chicken Recipe for Perfectly Juicy Meat

Roast chicken cooking time.

The cooking time for a roast chicken will vary depending on the weight of the chicken, the type of oven being used, and whether or not the chicken is stuffed. Here are some general guidelines:

• Conventional oven:
  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  Roast a 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Gas oven:
  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  Roast a 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) chicken for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Fan-forced oven:
  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
  Roast a 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) chicken for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Air fryer:
  Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  Roast a 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) chicken for about 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
• Barbecue:
  Preheat the barbecue to medium heat.
  Roast a 1-kilogram (2.2-pound) chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).

Additional tips for roasting a chicken

Here are some additional tips for roasting a chicken:

• Choose the right chicken.
  When it comes to making the perfect roast chicken, choosing the right chicken is key. Look for a chicken that is plump and has a good amount of fat under the skin.
  
  A free-range or organic chicken will have more flavour and tenderness than a conventionally raised chicken.
  Make sure to remove any giblets or excess fat from the cavity before cooking.
• Brine the chicken for extra flavour and moisture.
  Brining your chicken before roasting is a great way to add extra flavour and moisture to the meat.
  
  To make a basic brine, combine 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl or pot with 1 quart of water.
  Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved, then add the chicken and enough water to cover it completely.
  
  Cover the bowl or pot and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour and moisture.
  When you're ready to roast the chicken, remove it from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Season the chicken generously.
  Once your chicken is brined and dried, it's time to season it.
  Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
  
  You can also add additional herbs and spices to the outside of the chicken, such as thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika.
  
  Rub the seasoning into the skin and let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.
  This will help the chicken cook more evenly and result in a crispy, flavourful skin.
• Truss the chicken for even cooking.
  Trussing your chicken is an important step in ensuring even cooking and juicy meat.
  
  To truss your chicken, tuck the wings behind the back and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent the legs from overcooking while the breast meat is still raw.
  
  Trussing also helps the chicken retain its shape and makes for a more visually appealing presentation.
• Roast the chicken at the right temperature and time.
  To achieve perfectly juicy meat, it’s important to roast the chicken at the right temperature and for the right amount of time.
  Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and place the chicken in a roasting pan.
  Roast for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and continue roasting for another 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken.
  
  Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) before removing it from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
• Rest the chicken.
  For the juiciest roast chicken, it's important to let it rest before carving.
  This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavourful.
  
  So resist the temptation to dive right in and give your chicken a few minutes to rest before serving.
• Prevent dry breast meat.
  A common problem with roasting chicken is dry breast meat. There are numerous techniques to try and avoid this:-
  
  1. Baste the chicken in the fat that runs from it during cooking.
  
  2. Put the chicken in the oven breast side down for the first half an hour of cooking, so that the juice in the chicken runs into the breast.
  However, this will make it difficult to crisp the breast skin.
  
  3. Cover the breast with rashers of streaky bacon or pancetta. The fat in the bacon will cook out into the breast meat underneath.
  
  4. You can part the skin from the breast meat prior to cooking.
  Carefully separate the two with your fingers taking care not to tear the skin.
  Into the gap between the skin you can insert softened butter to keep the meat moist.
  This butter can be flavoured to impart flavor to the meat using chopped bacon, herbs and other seasonings.
  
  5. Slow roast the chicken at 120°C (250°F). This will take much longer, but the meat loses less water when roasted at lower temperatures. Check with a thermometer to see if it is done.

Roast Chicken Serving Ideas.

1. Classic Roast Chicken.
   The classic roast chicken is a timeless dish that can be served with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. It's a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
2. Chicken Salad.
   Roast chicken can be used to make a delicious chicken salad.
   Simply shred the chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and any other desired ingredients.
   
   Serve it on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a quick and easy lunch.
3. Chicken Tacos.
   Roast chicken can be used as a filling for tacos. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with taco seasoning, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
   
   Serve it in a soft or hard taco shell for a delicious and easy dinner.
4. Chicken Taco Soup.
   Roast chicken can be used to make a tasty chicken soup Mexican style.
   
   Simply shred the chicken chicken and use it in this Chicken Taco Soup that’s bursting with flavour and fillings..
   It's another perfect meal for a cold winter day.
5. Chicken Soup.
   Roast chicken can be used to make a comforting chicken soup.
   
   Simply use the chicken carcass to make a broth and add in vegetables, noodles, and the shredded chicken.
   It's a perfect meal for a cold winter day.
6. Chicken Pot Pie.
   Roast chicken can be used as a filling for a delicious chicken pot pie.
   
   Simply mix the chicken with vegetables and a creamy sauce and top it with a flaky pie crust.
   It's a perfect meal for a cozy family dinner.
7. Chicken Caesar Salad.
   Roast chicken can be used to make a delicious chicken Caesar salad.
   
   Simply shred the chicken and mix it with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
   It's a perfect meal for a light lunch or dinner.
8. Chicken Quesadillas.
   Roast chicken can be used as a filling for chicken quesadillas.
   
   Simply mix the chicken with cheese, peppers, and onions and cook it in a tortilla.
   Serve it with salsa and sour cream for a delicious and easy dinner.