• Home
  • Blog
  • About FH & Lovoni
  • Services
  • Guilty Hunger podcast
  • Contact

Fresh Hunger

simple, rustic cookery for food lovers

  • Home
  • About FH & Lovoni
  • Our services
  • Recipes
    • Afternoon tea
    • Appetizers
    • Bacon & Pork
    • Baking & Desserts
    • Beef, Lamb & Wild
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Chicken & Other Birds
    • Condiments & Dressings
    • Curries & such
    • Drinks
    • Fast & Fresh
    • Features
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Fruity desserts
    • Grilling
    • Holidays
    • How-to – Kitchen Basics
    • Low carb chicken
    • Lower carb
    • Lunch
    • Mains
    • Make-ahead & Freeze
    • Popular on Pinterest
    • Salads
    • Sides & Veggies
    • Seasonal – fall & winter
    • Seasonal – spring & summer
    • Soups, Stews & Casseroles
    • Under 500 Calories
    • Vegetarian
  • Blog
  • Guilty Hunger podcast
  • Home & Garden
    • Our Old Home
    • Entertaining
    • Garden
    • Kitchen Essentials
    • Cooking videos – coming soon

how to make THE best roast chicken

December 12, 2017 by Lovoni | 9 Comments

There’s something both comforting & celebratory about a roast chicken dinner. You can bung the chicken in the oven any old how & it’ll still smell & taste good but butterfly (spatchcock) the chicken first, spread herb & garlic butter under its skin & then roast it & you’ll be rewarded – it’s sublime & it’s how to make THE best roast chicken. 

How to make THE best roast chicken

Birds weren’t designed well for sitting in a roasting pan, breast side up so the part with the least fat cooks the fastest, as it waits for the rest of the bird to cook. This often leads to a bird with a breast that’s a bit on the dry side. Or the breast is juicy but around the legs is questionable regarding doneness. Removing the back bone – a very simple process believe me, then turning the chicken over to reveal a flattened chicken that will now cook quickly & evenly throughout ensuring moist breast meat, is the best way to roast any foul. 

How to make THE best roast chicken

How to make THE best roast chicken

Take 5 minutes to make a herb & garlic butter to spread underneath the skin of the chicken. This buttery mixture goes between the skin & the flesh of the chicken, permeating the whole bird with nostalgic flavors of rosemary, thyme, Italian parsley & garlic: I couldn’t think of flavors more suited to a roast chicken than the fresh herbs, garlic & butter combo. 

How to make THE best roast chicken

How to make THE best roast chicken

How to make THE best roast chicken

Knowing how to make the best roast chicken is a must in any decent cook’s repertoire. And once you’ve mastered the technique of butterflying/spatchcocking a chicken (it really is very simple), you’ll probably not go back to your old method. I never roast a chicken any other way now. Sometimes I switch it up with the aromatics but the preparation is always the same & I’m always elated with the outcome. If you’ve never roasted a chicken in this manner I implore you to try. You too will become a convert. Cheers, Lovoni xo

PS. I usually serve this delicious chicken with steamed French beans (if I can find them) & carrots or mashed potatoes. A crisp, green salad would also work a treat. Oh & wine – any white wine, pinot noir or a crisp rose. 

How to make THE best roast chicken

how to make THE best roast chicken
2017-12-12 14:25:23
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 3 lbs (1.36kg) whole chicken
  2. 1/4 cup softened butter
  3. 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
  4. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  5. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
  6. 3 garlic cloves, minced
  7. a good pinch of coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
  1. Grease a wire rack and place it in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Turn the chicken onto its breast on a cutting board. Using poultry or kitchen scissors or a sharp filleting or chef’s knife, cut down both sides of the backbone to remove it (discard the backbone or save it & add it homemade broth). Turn the chicken breast side up. Turn the legs in & tuck the wings behind the chicken (see pic of whole roasted chicken). Carefully run your fingers underneath the skin of the chicken loosening it from the flesh over the breast & legs - this is where you’re going to spread the butter mixture.
  3. Combine butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt & pepper in a small bowl using a fork to mash it all together.
  4. Spread the butter mixture evenly between the skin and the flesh of the chicken across the breast & legs of chicken.
  5. Place the chicken, breast side up, on the prepared rack. Roast, uncovered, in the preheated oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until the chicken is cooked and the juices run clear when chicken is pierced around the thigh bone or a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Cover loosely with foil & let stand for 5 minutes to allow juices to settle. Chop or carve the chicken to serve. I generally remove the legs & the breast from the ribs, then the wings. It will serve 6 people (as per nutrition guidelines) but I think 3 to 4 generous portions is more realistic.
Notes
  1. If you're feeling so inclined, reserve the pan juices, add a splash of sherry & reduce the mixture to give you a spoonfuls of buttery pan drippings to serve with the chicken.
By Lovoni
Fresh Hunger https://freshhunger.com/

 

 

 

More from my site

  • Thai Chicken, Cashew & Mango Lettuce WrapsThai Chicken, Cashew & Mango Lettuce Wraps
  • One Pan Harissa Chicken with Peppers & MintOne Pan Harissa Chicken with Peppers & Mint
  • mediterranean grilled chicken saladmediterranean grilled chicken salad
  • turmeric cashew chickenturmeric cashew chicken
  • Thai Chicken Vegetable Stir FryThai Chicken Vegetable Stir Fry
  • Easy Green Peppercorn ChickenEasy Green Peppercorn Chicken
share this
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on Yummly
Yummly
Share on Tumblr
Tumblr
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Filed Under: Chicken & Other Birds, Cookery know-how, featured, Holidays, How-to..., Low carb chicken, Low-carb, Mains, popular, Seasonal - fall & winter Tagged With: chicken, how to make roast chicken, mains, roast chicken, roasted chicken, roasting chicken

Comments

  1. Lovoni says

    February 1, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    Isn’t it a wonderful way to roast chicken? I’m glad you love it too. And you’re right, there’s so many different flavourings one can to infuse the chicken.

    Reply
  2. Patricia says

    February 1, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    I made this exactly as Lovoni’s recipe stated, and it was fabulous. I always have my chicken spatchcocked, as it does cook evenly, looks pretty and taste delicious. No part is overcooked or dried out. This recipe also opens up the door for me to create other “under the skin” flavors and tastes, depending which herbs I have. This one is a keeper, for sure.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

join

our food loving community

Connect!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Search for Recipes

                            Follow

Browse Recipes

Archives

Well hello there…

I’m Lovoni – food stylist, cookbook author, once-upon-a-time TV cooking show host, food photographer, gypsy & serial dieter. Really, I’m just greedy with a passion for good food, made right. I believe wholesome food is something to take pleasure in without guilt. I love simple living, whimsy & adventures.

 

read more

Quick access

  • Home
  • Blog
  • ABOUT FRESH HUNGER & LOVONI
  • Contact
  • Services
  • Recipes
GOOD FOOD. NO GUILT
Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don’t be fooled, this cake is divine. A brown sugar shortbread like base with a buttery soft, cake crumbly topping.  It’s been one of my most favorite cakes since I can remember.  New on Fresh Hunger today. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/16/armenian-nutmeg-cake/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #armeniannutmegcake #nutmeg #spice #instabaking #baking #onmytable #inmykitchen #baking #buttery #delicious
Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fr Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fresh Hunger today.  Creamy & hearty and certain to chase away at least some of those winter chills. Cozy up with a bowl & a good book for a perfect lunch. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/13/broccoli-and-loaded-potato-soup/
.
.
.
.
.
#soupweather #freshhunger #getcozy #potatoes #loadedbakedpotato #lovepotatoes #soupweather #whatsforlunch #onmytable #inmykitchen #broccoli
Finnish Mustard - move over every other mustard I’ve ever loved, this is my new favourite. The recipe is an adaptation of @tessakiros from #fallingcloudberries a cookbook I highly recommend. If a mustard can be decadent then this is it. It’s also so simple to make. 
I purged many of my cookbooks recently. I’m replacing some with cookbooks I want to cook from and will make a point of using. Beth from @oldetymemarketplace along with @downshilohroad & @myrustichouse have started a fun hashtag to encourage us to make & share recipes from our cookbooks #friendswhocookwithabook 
It’d be such fun if you joined along. I know we all have those cookbooks that sit collecting dust. Well time to use them or pitch them. Or treat yourself & buy some new ones. Finding recipes online is convenient but never the same as holding a gorgeous cookbook in your hands. 
If like me you love mustard I urge you to try this mustard recipe. It’s divine. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/12/finnish-mustard/

.
.
.
#mustard #madefromscratch #hotmustard #colmansmustard #colmans #condiment #onmytable #inmykitchen #freshhunger #lovoni #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #recipewriter #foodphotographer
QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who has to add whipped cream to a recipe that’s having its pic taken - never use canned cream. You know the shit in a can I’m talking about?! That stuff breaks down quickly & is total crap. You need to whip the cream yourself and, you need to stabilize it with some powdered sugar. And don’t over whip the cream. Whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream in a cold bowl until it’s starting to thicken, add about 1/3 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, whip until soft peaks form & then you can make great swirls, dollops or pipe it & it’ll behave & stay looking good to have its pic taken. Perfect swirls & dollops = pretty pics. 

Meanwhile, here’s the recipe for this yummy & really easy to make dessert. 

https://freshhunger.com/2020/11/21/quick-and-easy-tiramisu/

.
.
.
.
.
#foodstyling #foodstylist #foodstyingtips #whippedcream #swirls #chocolate #tiramisu #desserts #creamy #creamydessert #onmytable #inmykitchen #lovoni #freshhunger
SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’v SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’ve had a bit of a run on miso this week. I have a LOT of it in the fridge. This recipe is so easy, only a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker does almost all the work for you.  I do love a good noodle slurping session & this recipe is perfect for it. Here’s the recipe link or click on the link in my bio.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/08/slow-cooked-miso-beef-with-noodles/
~
Happy Friday. Stay warm xo 😘 
.
.
.
#miso #slowcooker #slowfood #beef #beefstew #beefbroth #lomein #noodles #slurp #freshhunger #lovoni  #wholesome #shiitake #bokchoy #onmytable
SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who made new year’s resolution to go on a diet? God I’ve been on so many bloody diets. They work of course, as long as one stays on diet of choice. Kudos to those who do. As a mere mortal & coupled with my recipe testing, writing, styling & such I can’t, nor do I want to, eliminate whole food groups from my diet. I fail miserably at it. Then I beat myself up. And the vicious cycle goes around & around. My health - physical & mental & business are my main focuses this year. Diets are kicked to the curb along with negative self-talk. Enough already.  Wholesome foods, moving my body with exercise that makes me happy & I want to do is key. Who else feels the same? 
Here’s the link to this vibrant recipe. I really enjoyed it for dinner last night & last week. Serve it up with some steamed jasmine rice. So good.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/06/sweet-chili-miso-salmon/
.
.
.
.
.
#freshstart #freshhunger #freshveggies #salmon #miso #chilisauce #wholesome #vibrant #dietsdontwork #stopdieting #onmytable #inmykitchen
Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don’t be fooled, this cake is divine. A brown sugar shortbread like base with a buttery soft, cake crumbly topping.  It’s been one of my most favorite cakes since I can remember.  New on Fresh Hunger today. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/16/armenian-nutmeg-cake/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #armeniannutmegcake #nutmeg #spice #instabaking #baking #onmytable #inmykitchen #baking #buttery #delicious
Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fr Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fresh Hunger today.  Creamy & hearty and certain to chase away at least some of those winter chills. Cozy up with a bowl & a good book for a perfect lunch. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/13/broccoli-and-loaded-potato-soup/
.
.
.
.
.
#soupweather #freshhunger #getcozy #potatoes #loadedbakedpotato #lovepotatoes #soupweather #whatsforlunch #onmytable #inmykitchen #broccoli
Finnish Mustard - move over every other mustard I’ve ever loved, this is my new favourite. The recipe is an adaptation of @tessakiros from #fallingcloudberries a cookbook I highly recommend. If a mustard can be decadent then this is it. It’s also so simple to make. 
I purged many of my cookbooks recently. I’m replacing some with cookbooks I want to cook from and will make a point of using. Beth from @oldetymemarketplace along with @downshilohroad & @myrustichouse have started a fun hashtag to encourage us to make & share recipes from our cookbooks #friendswhocookwithabook 
It’d be such fun if you joined along. I know we all have those cookbooks that sit collecting dust. Well time to use them or pitch them. Or treat yourself & buy some new ones. Finding recipes online is convenient but never the same as holding a gorgeous cookbook in your hands. 
If like me you love mustard I urge you to try this mustard recipe. It’s divine. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/12/finnish-mustard/

.
.
.
#mustard #madefromscratch #hotmustard #colmansmustard #colmans #condiment #onmytable #inmykitchen #freshhunger #lovoni #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #recipewriter #foodphotographer
QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who has to add whipped cream to a recipe that’s having its pic taken - never use canned cream. You know the shit in a can I’m talking about?! That stuff breaks down quickly & is total crap. You need to whip the cream yourself and, you need to stabilize it with some powdered sugar. And don’t over whip the cream. Whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream in a cold bowl until it’s starting to thicken, add about 1/3 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, whip until soft peaks form & then you can make great swirls, dollops or pipe it & it’ll behave & stay looking good to have its pic taken. Perfect swirls & dollops = pretty pics. 

Meanwhile, here’s the recipe for this yummy & really easy to make dessert. 

https://freshhunger.com/2020/11/21/quick-and-easy-tiramisu/

.
.
.
.
.
#foodstyling #foodstylist #foodstyingtips #whippedcream #swirls #chocolate #tiramisu #desserts #creamy #creamydessert #onmytable #inmykitchen #lovoni #freshhunger
SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’v SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’ve had a bit of a run on miso this week. I have a LOT of it in the fridge. This recipe is so easy, only a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker does almost all the work for you.  I do love a good noodle slurping session & this recipe is perfect for it. Here’s the recipe link or click on the link in my bio.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/08/slow-cooked-miso-beef-with-noodles/
~
Happy Friday. Stay warm xo 😘 
.
.
.
#miso #slowcooker #slowfood #beef #beefstew #beefbroth #lomein #noodles #slurp #freshhunger #lovoni  #wholesome #shiitake #bokchoy #onmytable
SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who made new year’s resolution to go on a diet? God I’ve been on so many bloody diets. They work of course, as long as one stays on diet of choice. Kudos to those who do. As a mere mortal & coupled with my recipe testing, writing, styling & such I can’t, nor do I want to, eliminate whole food groups from my diet. I fail miserably at it. Then I beat myself up. And the vicious cycle goes around & around. My health - physical & mental & business are my main focuses this year. Diets are kicked to the curb along with negative self-talk. Enough already.  Wholesome foods, moving my body with exercise that makes me happy & I want to do is key. Who else feels the same? 
Here’s the link to this vibrant recipe. I really enjoyed it for dinner last night & last week. Serve it up with some steamed jasmine rice. So good.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/06/sweet-chili-miso-salmon/
.
.
.
.
.
#freshstart #freshhunger #freshveggies #salmon #miso #chilisauce #wholesome #vibrant #dietsdontwork #stopdieting #onmytable #inmykitchen
Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don Armenian Nutmeg Cake might not be a looker but don’t be fooled, this cake is divine. A brown sugar shortbread like base with a buttery soft, cake crumbly topping.  It’s been one of my most favorite cakes since I can remember.  New on Fresh Hunger today. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/16/armenian-nutmeg-cake/
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #armeniannutmegcake #nutmeg #spice #instabaking #baking #onmytable #inmykitchen #baking #buttery #delicious
Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fr Broccoli and Loaded Potato Soup - new recipe on Fresh Hunger today.  Creamy & hearty and certain to chase away at least some of those winter chills. Cozy up with a bowl & a good book for a perfect lunch. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/13/broccoli-and-loaded-potato-soup/
.
.
.
.
.
#soupweather #freshhunger #getcozy #potatoes #loadedbakedpotato #lovepotatoes #soupweather #whatsforlunch #onmytable #inmykitchen #broccoli
Finnish Mustard - move over every other mustard I’ve ever loved, this is my new favourite. The recipe is an adaptation of @tessakiros from #fallingcloudberries a cookbook I highly recommend. If a mustard can be decadent then this is it. It’s also so simple to make. 
I purged many of my cookbooks recently. I’m replacing some with cookbooks I want to cook from and will make a point of using. Beth from @oldetymemarketplace along with @downshilohroad & @myrustichouse have started a fun hashtag to encourage us to make & share recipes from our cookbooks #friendswhocookwithabook 
It’d be such fun if you joined along. I know we all have those cookbooks that sit collecting dust. Well time to use them or pitch them. Or treat yourself & buy some new ones. Finding recipes online is convenient but never the same as holding a gorgeous cookbook in your hands. 
If like me you love mustard I urge you to try this mustard recipe. It’s divine. 

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/12/finnish-mustard/

.
.
.
#mustard #madefromscratch #hotmustard #colmansmustard #colmans #condiment #onmytable #inmykitchen #freshhunger #lovoni #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #recipewriter #foodphotographer
QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who QUICK & EASY TIRAMISU - a quick word to anyone who has to add whipped cream to a recipe that’s having its pic taken - never use canned cream. You know the shit in a can I’m talking about?! That stuff breaks down quickly & is total crap. You need to whip the cream yourself and, you need to stabilize it with some powdered sugar. And don’t over whip the cream. Whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream in a cold bowl until it’s starting to thicken, add about 1/3 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, whip until soft peaks form & then you can make great swirls, dollops or pipe it & it’ll behave & stay looking good to have its pic taken. Perfect swirls & dollops = pretty pics. 

Meanwhile, here’s the recipe for this yummy & really easy to make dessert. 

https://freshhunger.com/2020/11/21/quick-and-easy-tiramisu/

.
.
.
.
.
#foodstyling #foodstylist #foodstyingtips #whippedcream #swirls #chocolate #tiramisu #desserts #creamy #creamydessert #onmytable #inmykitchen #lovoni #freshhunger
SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’v SLOW COOKED MISO BEEF WITH NOODLES - okay so I’ve had a bit of a run on miso this week. I have a LOT of it in the fridge. This recipe is so easy, only a handful of ingredients and the slow cooker does almost all the work for you.  I do love a good noodle slurping session & this recipe is perfect for it. Here’s the recipe link or click on the link in my bio.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/08/slow-cooked-miso-beef-with-noodles/
~
Happy Friday. Stay warm xo 😘 
.
.
.
#miso #slowcooker #slowfood #beef #beefstew #beefbroth #lomein #noodles #slurp #freshhunger #lovoni  #wholesome #shiitake #bokchoy #onmytable
SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who SWEET CHILI MISO SALMON & STIR-FRIED VEGGIES - who made new year’s resolution to go on a diet? God I’ve been on so many bloody diets. They work of course, as long as one stays on diet of choice. Kudos to those who do. As a mere mortal & coupled with my recipe testing, writing, styling & such I can’t, nor do I want to, eliminate whole food groups from my diet. I fail miserably at it. Then I beat myself up. And the vicious cycle goes around & around. My health - physical & mental & business are my main focuses this year. Diets are kicked to the curb along with negative self-talk. Enough already.  Wholesome foods, moving my body with exercise that makes me happy & I want to do is key. Who else feels the same? 
Here’s the link to this vibrant recipe. I really enjoyed it for dinner last night & last week. Serve it up with some steamed jasmine rice. So good.

https://freshhunger.com/2021/01/06/sweet-chili-miso-salmon/
.
.
.
.
.
#freshstart #freshhunger #freshveggies #salmon #miso #chilisauce #wholesome #vibrant #dietsdontwork #stopdieting #onmytable #inmykitchen

Copyright © 2021 · Fresh Hunger · Designer Blogs · Built on the Genesis Framework