CLASSIC ROAST CHICKEN & HOMEMADE GRAVY

Ingredients

• 1 whole free-range corn-fed chicken 

• 1 tbsp butter, softened 

• 1/2 tsp salt 

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme 

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano 

• 1/2 tsp dried rubbed sage 

• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper 

• 1/2 juice from a lemon 

• Olive oil to drizzle

• 1/2 cup dry white wine

• 1½ cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 

• 3 tbsp water 

• 1/4 tsp salt 

Detail

Level: Beginner

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

3-4 servings

Recipe Tips

Remove the chicken from the fridge 30mins before to bring up to room temperature.

Method

Step 1: Set-up

For an optimal cooking result, get the chicken out of the fridge half an hour before starting the preparation. Allowing it to come back to room temperature.  
Preheat your oven to 220°C.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken 

To prepare chicken, remove and discard giblets and neck from chicken, trim excess fat. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breasts and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat.

Step 3: Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine butter, salt, pepper, dried ingredients, the juice from the lemon and a good drizzle of olive oil. Generously rub the mixture all over the chicken (in and out).

Step 4: Bake the chicken in the oven

Place your roasting tray in the middle section of the oven and let it cook for approximately 60 minutes at 220°C. Increase the temperature to 240°C and let it roast for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Using tongs or insulated rubber gloves carefully remove the backing tray from the oven. Reserve whilst you prepare the gravy.

Step 5: The gravy

In a saucepan, pour the wine and broth, let it simmer over medium heat.
Combine flour and water in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk to form a slurry mixture. Season at convenience with salt and pepper. A constant gentle stirring will avoid lump formation. Simmer until obtaining a slightly thick and homogeneous texture.  

Step 6: Serving

Carve the golden chicken and serve with the rich and flavoursome gravy. This amazing roasted chicken can be served with roasted carrots with caraway and coriander.