How to make a kick-ass Roast Chicken
Everyone should know how to roast a kick-ass chicken & this one won’t disappoint. The easy spice rub will transform a humble chicken into dinner perfection.
Over our December holidays I was chatting to my family one day about what they think most food blogs lack. My brothers immediately said “Simple, basic recipes that deliver seriously good results.” That got me thinking. Yes, this blog is called “Simply Delicious” and yes, I pride myself on making simple and delicious food but in many of my recipes, I assume that you, the reader, know what I talk about when I say “sauté the onions” and “julienne the courgettes”. But in fact, there are probably quite a few kitchen newbies reading my posts not knowing what the heck is going on.
And yes, I often say “But just Google what it means” but that’s sometimes such a hassle. Which brings me to the point of this rather long-winded intro: I have decided to start a series of “Basics” posts. Posts in which I guide you through the basic recipes every person needs to know, in my opinion. Recipes that take next to no time to put together, using ingredients most people have in their cupboards.
This series kicks off with a seriously kick-ass roast chicken (obviously). I love Nigella Lawson for many reasons but her quote “You could probably get through life without knowing how to roast a chicken, but the question is, would you want to?” pretty much sums up how I feel about roast chicken. I think she also said that a kitchen never really feels like it’s hers until she’s roasted a chicken in it. Yep, she knows what she’s talking about that one. And yes, the simplest of roast chicken recipes include no more than a few herbs, a lemon and some garlic and yes, those chickens are absolutely deeeelicious but what if you wanted something a little more showy? Well then my friends, you have come to the right place. This chicken is so absolutely awesome, it completely deserves it’s “Kick-ass” title.
The thing with this chicken is that it is flavoured with spices you probably already have in your cupboards. Food purists, look away now. I’m talking about that BBQ/Chicken/Texan/-spice mix goodie you have hiding there at the back of your cupboard. Most foodies would die before using those spices but I think they have their place, and that place happens to be on this-here chicken. I like to use a mixed spice like that (they usually contain many different herbs and spices and the ones made for chicken are particularly good here), mixed with a little smoked paprika, cayenne pepper salt and pepper. I then add a little oil and a good squeeze of lemon juice before basting the chicken with the spicy concoction.
The trick to a really juicy, flavoursome bird is to baste the chicken with this mixture continuously while cooking (a trick my husband taught me). Every 20 minutes or so I give the chicken a good slather of the spicy oil and this results in proper “yum”-inducing stuff. I’m serious. I couldn’t stop saying “yuuuuuuum” while eating this chicken. And once you’ve mastered this bad boy, you can move on to my Indian-spiced roast chicken which takes it to a whole other level.
But first I want you to tell me what the dishes are that you think I should be focusing on in this series. What are the things that you would love to learn to cook?
Table of Contents
How to make a kick-ass Roast Chicken
Ingredients
- for the spicy oil
- 3 teaspoons mixed spice of your choice I used a chicken spice
- 1-2 teaspoons smoked/sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper optional
- 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- for the roast chicken
- 1 x 1.5-1.8kg free-range chicken giblets removed
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°c.
- Combine all the ingredients for the spicy oil in a small bowl and mix well.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt, not forgetting about the cavity.
- Place the chicken onto a baking sheet / into a roasting pan then brush with the spice mixture, ensuring you cover the skin completely. For added flavour you could also brush some of the mixture into the cavity of the chicken.
- Place the chicken into the pre-heated oven and allow to roast for 1 hour – 90 mins, or until the juices run clear when you make a cut between the drumstick and the breast. Baste the chicken every 20 minutes with the remaining oil mixture.
- When the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven then cover with foil and allow to rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Carve the chicken and serve.
Easy Tuscan roast chicken
Pan roasted chicken with lemon garlic butter
It would be really helpful if you could include a list of suitable side dishes for each recipe. I’m thinking that since you’ve tried them you will know what’s likely to go best. Can’t wait to get started you see. Many thanks
Laraine
Hi Lorraine! I’ll update this post soon but in the meantime, here’s a comprehensive list of all our favorite side dishes to serve with chicken: https://simply-delicious-food.com/side-dishes-for-chicken/
Excellent recipe – loved it … will make it again
I made this recipe tonight and it was so easy and kick-ass for sure! Will be using it going forward.
Thanks so much Blair!
Love your recipe, love S.Africa, love your gentle & kind response to criticism. I’m making this dish RIGHT NOW!
I hope you love it. 🙂
I made this last night with two chickens and it was delicious! I put a lot of the spicy oil underneath the skin and I didn’t marinate exactly every 20 minutes since I was running in from mowing the lawn, lol, but it was still extremely flavorful.
I also wanted to comment on your response to the person who complained about the “vulgar” name. I was so impressed that you sincerely apologized and showed absolutely no defensiveness when you certainly could have told that person you have a right to call it whatever you want and suggested she frequent other sites. In these times of many feeling they have every right to say what they want, no matter the consequences to others, I felt your reaction was refreshing and most tolerant. A true class act. By the way, I’m a middle aged woman who rarely curses, and the name of this dish in no way offended me!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment Kat. I am so happy you liked this recipe and really appreciate your support! 🙂
such a good subtitle for this amazing recipe xD
Thanks 🙂
This chicken looks so kick-ass! Roast chicken is the staple of my kitchen, my got-to meal when I can’t be bothered to think about what to make for dinner – and then I usually get carried away and try out some new flavours combo and, before you know it, I’ve spent two hours in the kitchen and created the biggest mess you can possibly imagine!
There is just nothing like a good roast chicken, is there? And I can totally imagine your mess, I am known as the messy cook of my family. 😉
I love your recipes, but must you use vulgar language. I know most people don’t think your wording for the spicy chicken is vulgar, but it is.
Thank you.
I’m so sorry if it offended you Cora, I absolutely didn’t mean to offend anyone.
Everyone should know how to roast a chicken Alida! I couldn’t agree more. And this recipe looks fabulous. Love the new Basics series! I think that’s what most readers love and appreciate, the basics!
Totally! Roast chicken is a staple in my kitchen.
My brother is my best and worst critic. One, he makes my stuff. Two, he tells me when i have overcomplicated things too. So sweet that the family contributes and makes your food! For me, that is the best feeling ever. Chicken-crushing? Is that a thing? After I saw the video, I am all in. Going to make this sometime over the T-day weekend to change it up a bit for my family. Cheers!
Chicken crushing is TOTALLY a thing. 😉
Hi! I’m about to cook your recipe, but just had to comment on your kick ass first name. The only other Alidas I know are in my own family! Rock on girl!
Ah, thanks lovely! 🙂 In South Africa it’s a pretty common name here in South Africa but I always love hearing about people in other countries being called Alida. I agree though, it’s a pretty kick ass name.
Please note that the roasting temp is in Celsius. You will have to change it to Farenheit for US cooks.
This is the best roast chicken ever. (I thought mine was the best). My kids cant get enough. And it is the easiest recipe. Since making it the first time, I now make 2 whole chickens at a time (for the four of us). Each person gets a thigh and drumstick, some of the leftovers for chicken mayo, the rest of the chicken is shredded for chicken pie and the bones are for chicken stock.
Looking forward to more back to basics recipes.
Thanks for your lovely comment Done!
Love you and your cooking.I am doing two in the oven your way.thanks so much.
Alida.