Roasting a chicken

Basic recipe for foolproof roast chicken

You only need a couple of ingredients to make this easy roast chicken. Serve with gravy, roast potatoes and veggies for a traditional Sunday dinner.

30-40g butter

1. Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Sit the chicken in a roasting tin. Ease the skin away from the breast and push the butter underneath the skin.


2. Season with salt and pepper.


3. Pour water into the bottom of the roasting tin, filling it about 1-2cm deep.


4. Cover the chicken with foil and roast for 1 hr.


5. Remove the foil and continue to roast the chicken for a further 20-30 mins until the skin is golden, the chicken is cooked and all the juices run clear. Pour the juices into a jug for use in gravy.


6. Put the chicken on a board. Cover with foil and a clean towel or tea towel, then leave to rest for 15-20 mins while you finish cooking any sides. Carve and serve.