Delia Smith Roast Chicken

Delia Smith’s Roast Chicken is made with free-range chicken, salt, and freshly milled black pepper. This delicious roast chicken recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Delia Smith Roast Chicken Ingredients

• 1 x 1.35 kg (3 lbs) free-range chicken
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper

How To Make Delia Smith Roast Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken from the fridge about an hour before cooking (or 30 minutes on a hot day) and remove the string from the legs. This helps it cook evenly.
2. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 230°C (450°F), gas mark 8.
3. Season and Roast: Place the chicken in a roasting tin, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the lower third of the oven for 45 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door during this time.
4. Check for Doneness: After 45 minutes, check if the chicken is cooked by gently tugging the leg; it should move easily. Insert a skewer into the thickest part of the leg; if the juices run clear, the chicken is done. If not, roast for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Rest and Carve: Loosen the chicken from the tin with a wooden spatula. Insert a wooden spoon into the body cavity and use a cloth to turn the chicken to let the juices drain into the tin. Transfer the chicken to a carving board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes.
6. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve on a warm platter with Delia’s Perfect Gravy.

Recipe Tips

• Let the Chicken Warm Up: Take the chicken out of the fridge about an hour before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and get a crispy skin.
• Set a Timer: Roast the chicken for 45 minutes without opening the oven door. Use a timer to keep track.
• Check if It’s Cooked: Pull the leg gently and stick a skewer in the thickest part of the leg. If the juices are clear, it’s cooked. If not, roast for 5 more minutes.
• Rest the Chicken: After roasting, cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes. This makes the meat juicy and tender.

What To Serve With Roast Chicken?

This delicious roast chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or steamed asparagus. It can also be served alongside garlic bread, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a baked sweet potato for a tasty dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Roast Chicken?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover roast chicken cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Roast Chicken?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
• In The Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring if needed, until heated through.
• On The Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or water to the pan, then add the chicken. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through.

Delia Smith Roast Chicken Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on a 4-serving recipe)

• Calories: 345
• Total Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 135mg
• Potassium: 370mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 0g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 40g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Baileys Cheesecake
• British Pancakes Delia Smith
• Delia Smith Light Fruit Cake Recipe
• Delia Smith Key Lime Pie