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chicken
1
perfect roast chicken
© David Loftus

perfect roast chicken

servings
4 - 6
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method


Having learnt the things I’ve learnt about chickens over the last few years, of course I’m going to suggest that you buy free-range or organic. But if you’re a little tight for cash, the RSPCA Freedom Food chickens are very good and available in all good supermarkets.

To prepare your chicken
• Take your chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before it goes into the oven
• Preheat your oven to 240°C/475°F/gas 9
• There’s no need to peel the vegetables – just give them a wash and roughly chop them
• Break the garlic bulb into cloves, leaving them unpeeled
• Pile all the veg and garlic into the middle of a large roasting tray and drizzle with olive oil
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper, rubbing it all over the bird
• Carefully prick the lemon all over, using the tip of a sharp knife (if you have a microwave, you could pop the lemon in these for 40 seconds at this point as this will really bring out the flavour)
• Put the lemon inside the chicken’s cavity, with the bunch of herbs

To cook your chicken
• Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting tray and put it into the preheated oven
• Turn the heat down immediately to 200°C/400°F/gas 6 and cook the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes
• If you’re doing roast potatoes and veggies, this is the time to crack on with them – get them into the oven for the last 45 minutes of cooking
• Baste the chicken halfway through cooking and if the veg look dry, add a splash of water to the tray to stop them burning
• When cooked, take the tray out of the oven and transfer the chicken to a board to rest for 15 minutes or so
• Cover it with a layer of tinfoil and a tea towel and put aside. Now is the time to make your gravy

To carve your chicken
• Remove any string from the chicken and take off the wings (break them up and add to your gravy for mega flavour)
• Carefully cut down between the leg and the breast
• Cut through the joint and pull the leg off
• Repeat on the other side, then cut each leg between the thigh and the drumstick so you end up with four portions of dark meat
• Place these on a serving platter
• You should now have a clear space to carve the rest of your chicken
• Angle the knife along the breastbone and carve one side off, then the other
• When you get down to the fussy bits, just use your fingers to pull all the meat off, and turn the chicken over to get all the tasty, juicy bits from underneath
• You should be left with a stripped carcass, and a platter full of lovely meat that you can serve with your piping hot gravy and gorgeous roast veg


• from Jamie's Ministry of Food

ingredients


• 1 x approximately 1.6kg chicken, preferably free-range, organic or higher welfare
• 2 medium onions
• 2 carrots
• 2 sticks of celery
• 1 bulb of garlic
• olive oil
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon
a small bunch of fresh thyme, rosemary, bay or sage, or a mixture

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tried this recipe or a similar one? share your tips...
1. by Jo on Wed 25 Jan 2012 @ 23:11

Thank you for a beautiful recipe Jamie! I will be using it again. I loved how tender and tasty the chicken was, much better than the free range BBQ chickens I can buy already cooked from the shop.

2. by David Dozier on Tue 27 Dec 2011 @ 16:05

Thanks Jaime <br /> <br /> I love to cook at home my wife works and I look for good food to cook everyday and this one was good I post a Pic in FB <br /> <br /> thanks<br /> <br /> dmd

3. by Mark on Sun 25 Dec 2011 @ 09:30

One great tip I was taught to keep the chicken real nice and moist is to actually cook the chicken upside down for the first half, and then turn back for the last half to get the skin crispy!

4. by Rick on Wed 21 Dec 2011 @ 14:51

I've cooked this one a few times now - it's become our speciality roast. It goes down a treat.

5. by aisling on Sun 11 Dec 2011 @ 19:50

amazing!!first roast I have ever cooked and it went down a storm,thank you Jamie!!

6. by kody on Fri 09 Dec 2011 @ 06:00

it was great, though u probs could have cooked it better then i did :o) a fantastic recipy, ill definatly be cooking that one again!!!!!!!!!

7. by Adrian on Sat 26 Nov 2011 @ 00:35

Hey Jamie, thanks very much looks like its roast chicken tonite for my kids & I LOL.<br /> I really wanted to thank you for helping me (a person who used to hate cooking), now realize what a great family activity can be. Mum works now and I use the opportunity when she is at work to cook with my kids and e I am teaching them some great life skills for thier future as well as to learn to experiment with food. <br /> I love experimenting now, and write out my recipes so we can repeat them for the nights mum is home, as I love to experiment so I tend to modify recipes as I go. If you ever want some of my recipes to mess around with send me an email and I'll gladly pass them on in the hopes that someone, somewhere will experience the joy that cooking with our children can bring. Keep up your great work mate!<br />

8. by patsy on Fri 18 Nov 2011 @ 04:24

to Kathy in NC, I believe the recipe you want is simple ceasar salad. can be found on the foodnetwork website. I've not made the full salad but the chicken and croutons were wonderful.

9. by Paul on Sat 12 Nov 2011 @ 07:06

I've got a 5.8lb chicken - how long should I roast it for? <br />

10. by Nicola on Thu 10 Nov 2011 @ 18:20

The gravy making recipe is here... http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/other-recipes/consistently-good-gravy

11. by Nick on Sun 06 Nov 2011 @ 09:25

Ate the chicken, simply FAB U L OUS<br /> <br /> x burp x

12. by stephen on Sat 05 Nov 2011 @ 14:46

yummy and tasty

13. by scott on Tue 01 Nov 2011 @ 10:04

as a young chef who is looking to break into the industry this is such a good little recipe to make something so simple soo lovely nice one jamie :)

14. by Mai Le on Mon 31 Oct 2011 @ 08:19

Fantastic recipe - simply yet tasty!! I tried adding a few different veges which got a bit soggy so would prob do them in a seperate tray next time. The root veges including carrots turned out great tho! Thanks Jamie x

15. by Sabrina on Tue 25 Oct 2011 @ 00:28

Oh, the bird's in the oven now, roasting away. My first one! I did get a free-range chicken, but am using palm oil instead of olive oil in the recipe. Did not put tin foil or cover on it, and placed it in middle rack. Starting to smell heavenly; perhaps I can finally be proud to serve a dish in front of guests :-) Those of us "across the pond" thank you, Chef Oliver!

16. by Kathy Lucas-Benfield, NC, USA on Tue 18 Oct 2011 @ 20:31

Dearest Jamie, My husband and I accidentally found you while searching for cooking shows to watch; we were dumbfounded & delighted to find "Jamie at Home" on the Food Network. We TVO all of your shows, but it won't keep but five shows at a time & deletes the rest. We both LOVE the sweet, loving, country way that you cook at home both in the kitchen, but especially outside in your brick oven & on the road. You're are classically trained, but have forged out a way of cooking that is simple, not ostentatious or extravagant to the point that a person watching would think that they could never do that because of the lack of equipment or techniques. Your love of food, your beautiful garden, home, family, children's health concerns (Your Food Revolution), & love of people in general, really touch our hearts - you make your audience feel like family and as though we can simplify our way of cooking and make your great recipes. Thank you for your tireless efforts to educate the world (and of course, America) about healthy, organic & simple cooking & eating. Please, please post your outdoor brick oven chicken recipe that has the wonderful large broken bread crumbs with veggies on top, then the chicken on top of that with the skin on it to drip down on the veggies & bread crumbs. I am dying to make it and want to get it just right. We have Sunday family dinner every Sunday with out daughter, her husband and five children, two mates & two great grand babies. Large family to cook for, but it is a wonderful family tradition that I want to use your recipes for. We live on disability and have adopted four of our grandchildren to give them veterans' health care and four years of free disabled veterans' education, so money is always very tight. I went to a used book store and bought two of your best cook books, but can't find that particular chicken recipe in it. As I can, I will buy all of your books and would love to be able to buy all of your television cooking shows. Are they available to the public for purchase? The English money exchange and shipping is very expensive for disabled people, so I was hoping that there is a place in the US where all of your books & videos are available in used condition. I would love to buy them new so that you get the profits & if we could afford it, we would donate money to you for your Food Revolution project. One day, when these last two children graduate & our daughter & husband move out on their own, we will do that as I know that you will continue the good works that you are doing. Perhaps, when you retire and open that Pub that you talk about, we will be able to save up for a trip to the UK to come and eat your delicious meals at your Pub - that is our dream. My husband spent 16 years in the Army & was a combat soldier for 13 mo's in Vietnam; we traveled to Germany, Scotland, Alaska, Thailand & Vietnam with his computer jobs, but have only been able to fly through Heathrow Airport, but never had the money or time to visit or tour over England. We both have English ancestors and dream of visiting your beautiful country. God bless you for sharing your love of food, life,family and healthy, simple cooking & eating with the world. With kindest regards, Kathy Lucas-Benfield PS. please don't forget to post the roasted chicken, bread crumb, veg. recipe for our Sunday family dinner.

17. by Jan on Sun 16 Oct 2011 @ 19:08

This recipe is amazing. The chicken turned out absolutely perfect, nice and tender with lots of flavour, definitely a confidence boost for me - especially since the last roast chicken I made (following a different recipe) was something of a disaster. Very easy, absolutely lovely, will definitely cook this again.

18. by ankita on Thu 13 Oct 2011 @ 07:55

first saw you cooking in zee cafe..was completely clean bowled..me and ny brother love the way you cook..a very different way..love your ingreients..love you jamie.

19. by Midnight on Sun 09 Oct 2011 @ 19:59

That's an awesome recipe. I'll be adding a few more spices to the chicken and serving it for Thanksgiving (our Canadian one is tomorrow!) instead of turkey.

20. by LEifLEIFErson on Sun 09 Oct 2011 @ 05:36

I don't have anything to contribute but I just wanted to a.) thank you, and b.) be number 126 to comment. Also, c.) I'm using this recipe for my CDN Thanksgiving tomorrow (turkey, you played out!) so I hope it's as awesome as I think it will be.

21. by Karls on Tue 27 Sep 2011 @ 20:26

Spanish please!!... from Chile :) i love it.

22. by elbanquetegalo on Tue 27 Sep 2011 @ 06:41

take care with the oven. If you don't cover the chicken with tinfoil while cooking, the oven will get really dirty. Just roast the chicken for last 5 minutes to get crunchy skin. This is my recomendation

23. by Aviana on Mon 26 Sep 2011 @ 17:31

Delicious!.. but the organic chicken makes the difference!!!

24. by Al on Mon 26 Sep 2011 @ 15:23

Cooked this yesterday - absolutely delish!!! Recipe is so easy to follow & get right first time.<br /> The "Ministry" is the best book you've written so far, Jamie. Especially for people like me who used to burn water :-)<br /> <br /> Al.

25. by mariu maud on Sun 25 Sep 2011 @ 08:57

I am about to cook this chicken since it looks pretty easy but it says nothing about how to make the gravy once you take the chicken out. Do you mash all the veg and strain them like in some other recipes?

26. by Peter on Thu 08 Sep 2011 @ 12:24

Hi there,<br /> <br /> I loved it so much. I don't disappointed at all after finished cooking. its taste was very yummy, juicy and a little bit crispy. Thank you Jamie. You are my idol.

27. by Abi on Sun 04 Sep 2011 @ 18:09

Simple, delicious and easy to cook. In the process of cooking this for me and my mum for a Sunday roast! Yum Yum.

28. by wendi on Wed 24 Aug 2011 @ 13:26

I made this last night after work so it went in the oven at 6pm and was ready and out by 7:45pm as my chicken was a bit larger. It was absolutely delicious!! Moist and just heavenly. The addition of the lemon is just genius. My hubby and boy are home today so there is lots for them for lunch and I will knock up a ceasar salad with what's left for dinner tonight. Rustic and flavoursome, another Jamie winner for me.

29. by stany on Sat 20 Aug 2011 @ 05:33

how do you make the gravy?

30. by Jonni Lynch on Mon 15 Aug 2011 @ 16:21

Love this recipe--have made it many, many times. Yesterday, the temps outside felt like early Autumn, so I decided this was what was for dinner! The only thing I do differently is peel the garlic and the carrots. Just like it better that way, though I've made it the first few times originally as written. Always a hit, always a comfort and the leftovers are amazing!

31. by lewi on Sat 13 Aug 2011 @ 09:59

turned out great i thought!<br /> <br /> http://images.instagram.com/media/2011/08/13/14cb1d8e6d39418e822ca5fb7efa913b_7.jpg

32. by Melissa on Fri 12 Aug 2011 @ 17:09

Hey Jamie, thanx for the recipe. Roast chicken for the soul. Absolute homecoming everytime. Cheers.

33. by AllanPog on Sun 31 Jul 2011 @ 17:19

I liked the recipe as soon as i saw it - especially since it only needed stuff i already had. Some of the others required a serious re-shop on a Sunday afternoon. Where I live the shops close at 1 on Saturday afternoon so, nix to that. <br /> <br /> Anyway I can’t take the computer to the kitchen so printed the page out. Frankly a serious disappointment considering the amount of other good web page engineering that’s gone into this site. FIX THE PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION! Please. <br />

34. by Shannon on Mon 25 Jul 2011 @ 22:18

We love this recipe. Our family has "family night" every Monday and this is what we cook each week. Today is Monday... so guess what's in the oven as I type. : )

35. by traveller on Mon 18 Jul 2011 @ 07:33

This recipe is wonderful. I am the sole meater in my house. I can cook this chicken and it stays moist for days. Usually chicken is dry the next day. Easy, yummy. best ever recipe.

36. by Jeanne on Sun 17 Jul 2011 @ 15:03

I tried cooking this for friends and it came out beautifully! You hardly need any skill in the kitchen to be able to cook this to perfection! I reposted this recipe on my blog with photos of the final result of my cooking attempts, as well as my own recipe for a warm winter salad that goes beautifully with the chicken.<br /> <br /> Check it out here and feel free to comment:<br /> http://tastegasms.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-brainer-jamie-olivers-perfect-roast.html<br /> <br /> Please go follow my blog for loads of cooking tips, ideas and new and innovative recipes!<br />

37. by JNN KPN on Thu 14 Jul 2011 @ 11:47

I tried cooking this for friends and it came out beautifully! You hardly need any skill in the kitchen to be able to cook this to perfection! I reposted this recipe on my blog with photos of the final result of my cooking attempts, as well as my own recipe for a warm winter salad that goes beautifully with the chicken.<br /> <br /> Check it out here:<br /> http://tastegasms.blogspot.com/2011/07/no-brainer-jamie-olivers-perfect-roast.html<br /> <br /> Please go follow my blog for loads of cooking tips, ideas and new and innovative recipes!<br /> <br /> xx<br /> JNN<br /> <br />

38. by lerissa on Wed 13 Jul 2011 @ 14:51

i was looking for a roast chicken recipe on the internet yesterday. when i came across this recipe i knew that my first roast would come out good. i was right. the chicken was moist and simply delicious. my family enjoyed it and it was so simple and easy to make. i added some honey to the salt rub and this gave it a glazed effect. can't wait to cook again

39. by Christie on Fri 08 Jul 2011 @ 18:27

@mzsade you would be better off using a pressure cooker for the chicken, than a bloody microwave. Microwaves aren't for 'cooking', use only to re-heat, defrost, melt or warm up quickly. The oven and the microwave are sooo different, you just can't compare the two. Anyone who tells you a microwave can roast a chicken, or anything for that matter are just weird :/

40. by Andrew on Tue 05 Jul 2011 @ 21:18

"My family cried tears of joy when they ate this". Brilliant comment, possibly from Contaldo taking the mick. Anyway my family will probably cry too (but not with joy) as I'm going to try this with your 'large retro roasting thingie' I bought from Amazon when drunk. Felt like a good idea at the time but no idea what the hell to do with it. I'm sure you'll fill me in in good time, convinced as I am that you answer queries from your loyal fans personally ;0)

41. by Bob on Sun 03 Jul 2011 @ 03:40

Great recipe.<br /> <br /> Please people... you can't roast a chicken in a microwave! If you don't have the time or a traditional oven, portion the chicken and do something else - plenty recipes on here.

42. by Louise on Tue 21 Jun 2011 @ 05:40

sounds sooooo yummy, I am off out to buy the fresh herbs and I am going to give it a go. I love Jamies recipes so much, some time they are a bit to out there for me (suppose I am just not adventurous enough) but i find Jamies cooking to be true to heart, and I love his approach. looking forward to our yummo dinner tonight!!!

43. by Owen Mynhardt on Fri 17 Jun 2011 @ 12:06

This recipe is pretty much the same as I have roasting chicken for years but I have picked up a few good tips from it. For a shorter cooking time I have on ocaasions used my microwave oven set on medium high. Cooking time 25 min per kg. turning the chicken for the last 7 min or so. Delicious!ng

44. by NORELL on Thu 16 Jun 2011 @ 02:39

hi jimmy i am allways looking at you cooking and i am going to try all yr recepies . I love to cook so i am enjoying watching u cook continue the good work JIM

45. by mzsade on Wed 15 Jun 2011 @ 11:07

I don't have a regular oven, so i was wondering if somebody knew how to convert the cooking times for a microwave, i mean 1 hour and 20 minutes in a microwave would, well, do unmentionable things to the chicken, wouldn't it? FYI, i don't know anything about cooking in a microwave either, i am pan, saucepan and pressure cooker guy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as i have mentioned elsewhere on this site, overcooking my meat and chicken is my biggest bogey.

46. by Orysya on Tue 14 Jun 2011 @ 16:58

Hi Jamie,<br /> <br /> Thank you for a lovely recipe! Cooked it for my boyfriend and friends last Sunday - everyone loved it!!! It was so juicy and absolutely delicious! <br /> <br /> You are a genius!!!<br /> <br /> I recommend it to everyone!

47. by Mandy on Tue 14 Jun 2011 @ 01:21

Turned out beautifully. Followed directions exactly and used a meat thermometer to verify chicken was 165 degrees before baking was done. Best chicken recipe, THANK YOU!!

48. by Richie Rich on Mon 13 Jun 2011 @ 04:04

Was under the gun, Mate!! Last two attempts for the missus were total disasters. "Redemption"..... Whot more can I say?

49. by Ruth Renwick on Wed 08 Jun 2011 @ 07:19

I like this recipe and I think I did it before but I am over 60 and cannot read the small print..I would like the option to remove photo (ink used) and enlarge print.<br /> What is a Baking tray? Can I use a Pot roast pan ..should I put a lid on??

50. by Murgs on Sat 04 Jun 2011 @ 15:19

Living the Roast Chicken dream......Get in A+.

51. by Wout on Tue 31 May 2011 @ 19:24

The chicken turned out magnificently, the veg needed a lot of cooking and some TLC from the hand mixer afterwards. For the latter I blame my oven.<br /> <br /> It tastes awesome!

52. by Baggs on Tue 31 May 2011 @ 08:52

Was my first roast chicken, and turned out perfect. I cut up a corn of the cob into 4 and put it in with the veg and it was gorgeous, really sweet and creamy<br /> Good luck

53. by Rafika on Mon 30 May 2011 @ 02:26

This recipe is truly awesome. I followed it exactly, but I added three handsful of rice at the bottom of my roasting pan. The heady aroma of all the spices, herbs, garlic and vegetables filled my home followed by the extraordinary scent of the chcken. I could not believe it. When the time was up, I opened the roasting pan and was met with a beautiful sight. I called my sister and told her about it after email everyone in my family this recipe. Jamie ROCKS!

54. by faz on Sun 22 May 2011 @ 18:53

I cooked this great recipe today! http://youtu.be/A7L7ry4tSXA<br /> you can watch me follow it. I had to turn the chicken over and cook it further tho.<br /> follow me on twittter attempt other recipes: http://twitter.com/#!/vloggingrape<br /> <br /> peaceout!

55. by Lu on Sun 22 May 2011 @ 12:03

I was rapt in the way this turned out! I threw in baby spuds chopped in half,it was all delicious,definately a new family favourite.

56. by Joey Jo Jo on Wed 11 May 2011 @ 00:57

Made it last night and worked like a charm! The lemon inside gave it some nice aroma. I'm going to try and glaze it with something sweet next time

57. by aspiringkennedy.com on Mon 09 May 2011 @ 19:08

I made this, LOVED it, and am making it again tonight... Added some small roughly chopped potatoes to the roast as well.<br /> <br /> I also made Jamie's gravy... it was easy and delicious. Yum!

58. by roy palmer on Sat 07 May 2011 @ 13:20

what happened to the stuffing Jamie. can't have sunday lunch roast chicken , you'll be giving my wife bad idea's. bye roy

59. by Amanda on Fri 06 May 2011 @ 06:43

Love this recipe. Love this website. Love your style of cooking Jamie!

60. by Denise on Thu 05 May 2011 @ 04:00

Hmm..tried leaving a comment earlier but didn't go through.<br /> <br /> Anyways..i tried this last Monday and it was superb! It was my first roast chicken and my family loved it! My hubby said that the meat just fell out of the bones..that he didn't really have to carve the chicken. It was that juicy and moist! I even tried making my own gravy from your recipe here..it was awesome!! I will be doing it again soon for dinner with my in-laws. <br /> <br /> Looks like...this would be my dish for this year christmas.<br /> <br /> Thanks Jamie!

61. by Anna on Thu 05 May 2011 @ 00:17

Chicken was perfectly cooked, moist and delicious. So much flavor and looking gorgeous as I took it out from the oven. My partner even called me a 'Little Master Chef' as it was my first roasted chicken ever. It was perfect dinner. Thanks Jamie, again!!!!!

62. by James on Sat 30 Apr 2011 @ 18:53

Just came to check one detail and saw undercarriage comment - never had this problem and cooked recipe with one or two chicken many times - would sooner check oven than disregard recipe.

63. by Maria on Sun 24 Apr 2011 @ 19:43

All good but the under carriage of the chicken was not cooked after and hour and a half. I guess its the fact that heat is not getting to the base of the chicken due to the vegetables. Pity, wont be doing it like this again.

64. by Gillian on Sun 24 Apr 2011 @ 13:42

We threw beetroot in with the veg and the gravy turned into a fabulous ruby red treat. It was the first time the kids wanted to try the gravy and they loved it!!

65. by Lilly Singi on Fri 08 Apr 2011 @ 07:33

Hi, <br /> Enjoyed watching Jamie's show 'Jamie at Home' and truly the recipe was delicious.

66. by Joe on Thu 31 Mar 2011 @ 21:36

Disappointed to see you're taking a step back and endorsing freedom foods chicken, was this at Sainsbury’s request?

67. by Natasha on Thu 31 Mar 2011 @ 18:06

Hi there, i want to try this recipe as it sounds awesome. i want to put 2 chickens in the roasting tin. would i have to adjust the temprature or length of time that i cook the chicken for? or would it be best if i do one chicken at a time.

68. by steph on Mon 28 Mar 2011 @ 16:06

when you cook the chicken do you use the fan? , and if no fan is the heat from the bottom, top or both? Thanks,

69. by andi on Sat 26 Mar 2011 @ 23:56

I have tried 3 of Jamies roast chicken recipes. Love the steaming lemon effect. Just perfect. If any dares to deviate and add their own ingredients and make their own alterations comments that is chicken is not to their liking, perhaps you should try the recipe as is. There is no need for googling other recipes or 'how to's...

70. by JenM0050 on Wed 02 Feb 2011 @ 18:18

My husband hates eating meat off the bone but I swore to him that everything is better on the bone and to trust me. He did and he said that this was the best chicken he had ever had! Not only does it taste amazing but it smells insane as it cooks.

71. by Ruthiepegs on Sat 25 Dec 2010 @ 18:46

Just finished eating this - for the second Christmas running, I have followed this recipe for perfect roast chicken and all I can say is that it really was PERFECT! Thank you Jamie :-))

72. by Miss Cari Baby on Tue 21 Dec 2010 @ 09:57

my dad's allergic to lemon :( and anything citrus for that matter... what can i use as a subsitute??

Thanks for the awesome recipe tho.. cant wait to try it out!

73. by greg on Sun 12 Dec 2010 @ 19:02

Friends!Do not try anything else!I did not know that you can make perfect chicken that easy!So moist and soft.meat coming off the bone!perfect!!Thanks mate.you made my sunday dinner perfect!!

74. by Drew on Thu 09 Dec 2010 @ 02:15

20 minutes a pound and 20 over ( for foil or in a roasting tin with a top ) if the chook is more than 5lbs make it 25 minutes a pound but you need to cover the legs with bacon or something similar or they'll be as dry as a nun

75. by NB on Tue 13 Apr 2010 @ 02:03

I made this last night. It smelled amazing and the little bit I ate was delish! But...I pulled it out of the fridge today and went to cut it up and it wasn't cooked through towards the bottom. (I didn't carve it up last night because it was late...and this was my second go at it...you don't want to know) :-( i followed the instructions to a T and I even used a thermometer to check it before I took it out of the oven. Can anyone tell me what may have gone wrong? I'm not the most experienced cook, so I have no idea what happened.

76. by luke on Wed 17 Mar 2010 @ 20:30

OMG! WoW! Just done this for the family, big success. I added my parsnips (for roasting) with my veg, then 15 mins before then end took them out added them to a separate roasting tray with some of the juices and put then back in the oven to finish. Really nice! worth a try. :)

77. by katchie on Wed 03 Feb 2010 @ 01:05

Bry: I know how you feel. I once went to the bar looking to pick up a girl. At the end of the night all the girls were gone so I took home a guy. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with the results.

78. by Bry on Sat 30 Jan 2010 @ 22:38

I'm with Gay Roads (comment 14)...
...Was really looking forward to trying this recipe. Because I am not a great fan of chicken I decided to use turkey instead. Also I am allergic to olive oil so I used lard which my mum recommened and lemon gives me heart burn so I used a melon.
I was a liitle disapointed with the results if I am totally honest. ...

I didn't have a chicken, so I used a frozen chicken pie. Also didn't have a lemon, so used a can of fanta instead. I too was a little disapointed with the results if I am totally honest

79. by aprilshower on Sun 24 Jan 2010 @ 18:20

I am cooking this as I write and the smell is amazing, it reminds me of my childhood ..... its nearly cooked and it looks stunning.... its the topic of conversation in my family now, and I am about to start passing on recipes, which I think is your mission J.... once again, thank u thank u thank u... As from today I will never say "I cant cook".... whoop whoop!!

80. by London on Sun 15 Nov 2009 @ 17:56

Just roast a damned chicken the old fashioned way and be done with it!

81. by Canada Eh on Thu 05 Nov 2009 @ 22:00

I made this recipe about a week ago and I have been craving it ever since. I will be making it again this weekend for my Dad's 87th birthday dinner. This is THE best roast chicken recipe I have ever tried and it will be the last one I ever use! I have always searched for new recipes to use for anything I make because I love to cook and I love trying new things ... but this one is definitely a keeper! I used celery, leek, garlic and onion for the bed and roasted carrots, potatoes, brussels sprouts and more onions with the bird. Fantastic!

82. by Dave on Sun 04 Oct 2009 @ 18:35

Just tried this recipe for the first time today and it was spot on. Been looking for a different way to roast chicken and this fits the bill nicely! Popping the lemon in the microwave first was an excellent idea. Can't imagine not doing it this way now. Nice one Jamie!

83. by Charly on Sun 04 Oct 2009 @ 13:43

lovely, whole family enjoyed. only thing I changed though was the olive oil, just cant stand the stuff but I used Carotino Red Palm & Canola Oil. It added that little something extra plus gave the chicken & veg a lovely color & all I got was complements !

84. by EZCOO on Sat 03 Oct 2009 @ 15:02

Im sorry Charlie, but if you cant cook a chicken you probably need to stay out of the kitchen!

This is a really basic thing to cook... why you tried it with pork ribs im not sure.. lemony pork ribs sounds rank!

85. by Rob on Fri 02 Oct 2009 @ 14:39

Why do people complain when they obviously haven't followed the recipe?! Do as Jamie's recipes tell you and it'll be fine :)

86. by charlie on Sun 27 Sep 2009 @ 15:24

i was very disappointed in the results. i tried it with pork ribs and it went abit weird. my veg got burnt and my gravy was lumpy and the whole thing tasted too lemony.

87. by Johnno on Sat 26 Sep 2009 @ 15:49

I tried this recipe for the first time last week, and it was soooooo deelicious that I'm doing it again this weekend! Chicken is so cheap at present [sorry... not yer organic free range tho' :( ] and with the roast veggies and a few roast spuds and a deelicious gravy, add to the plate some stuffing, cranberry sauce and a few crispy yorkshires from frozen, it's a healthy really filling meal fit for a king! (Personally I put the pan juices, some of the roasted onion and celery to simmer in my gravy a while, which was a cheat of 2 parts chicken and 1 part original brown [makes gravy dark and rich] bisto gravy granules... was gorgeous!). Anyways, I'm off to get that chicken roasted! Thank's Jamie! Roast chicken is back as a firm favorite which is where it should be!

88. by Dan on Sat 26 Sep 2009 @ 14:55

Have tried so many ways with roast chicken and have to say this one was the best so far. Some deviations i used were to put lump of softened butter with 1/2 teaspoon crush garlic and thyme leaves under the skin of breast and then streaky bacon over the top (removed after 30 mins). Sitting the bird on top of the veg (in my case sweet potato, carrots, red and white onions, parsnips - all chunky cut with S&P and a little light olive oil over them) and it came out bazzing! The butter and fat from bacon meant that no need for water and the only 'charring' was mild and just made them taste all the better! A decent roasting dish is essential for all roasts so worth the investment - also means you can add in 1/2 your spud water @ the end to make the best gravy i've ever tasted. Bit of Jamie with a bit of your own touches and it's knockout. Ta mate.

89. by cook3432 on Thu 23 Jul 2009 @ 03:44

My vegetables burned up. Has anybody tried splashing water on them halfway through as directed? I didn't do that. Also, I used the top rack of the oven. Maybe I should have put it in the middle?

90. by Anton on Mon 20 Jul 2009 @ 14:34

@ #2

"Was really looking forward to trying this recipe. Because I am not a great fan of chicken I decided to use turkey instead. Also I am allergic to olive oil so I used lard which my mum recommended and lemon gives me heart burn so I used a melon.
I was a little disappointed with the results if I am totally honest...."

----------------

Ha! Funniest post ever. You've got some gall complaining about the results of Jamie's Chicken Roast recipe after what you did to it?!

Dude c'mon! you took a turkey, rubbed it in lard and stuck a melon up it. No wonder it tasted like a dog's dinner.

Surely you jest?

91. by Josh on Sun 28 Jun 2009 @ 12:42

Hey,
just popped my chicken in the oven and it looks great. never really been comfortable cooking a whole chicken but this recipe was brillant and it smells great already!!

Thanks Jamie!

92. by Gay Roads on Sun 28 Jun 2009 @ 11:45

Was really looking forward to trying this recipe. Because I am not a great fan of chicken I decided to use turkey instead. Also I am allergic to olive oil so I used lard which my mum recommened and lemon gives me heart burn so I used a melon.
I was a liitle disapointed with the results if I am totally honest.

93. by James on Wed 10 Jun 2009 @ 20:59

May I know, how to make the gravy sauce?

94. by Elise on Mon 08 Jun 2009 @ 22:23

After you serve this, stand back and wait for the applause! Simple and delicious.

95. by ronald on Thu 28 May 2009 @ 13:07

ook in nederland gaan we dit proberen greetings from de kwakel

96. by Sue_c1 on Mon 25 May 2009 @ 21:36

Absolutely delicious recipe - the best roast chicken plus gravy I've ever made and tasted. So yummy - jamie is tops!
I tried Rick Stein's recipe (from Saturday Kitchen in Mid may 09) - and this beats it by a mile.
The only deviation I did to this recipe was to heat the oil and the herbs, garlic, pepper and salt first and bast the chicken with it all over then roast it.

The lemon makes a huge difference! Brilliant!

97. by Ann on Sun 03 May 2009 @ 03:13

just lovely ;o)

A fan from the Faroe Islands

98. by Nisha on Mon 27 Apr 2009 @ 20:14

I just want to say I've just made "your roast chicken" and it was absolutely delicious. Both my husband and I are happy and gleaming with satisfaction....fantastic Jamie, thanks :)

99. by tarn on Wed 01 Apr 2009 @ 09:23

this is perfect!

thanks, from thailand!

100. by Liz on Tue 31 Mar 2009 @ 12:54

This was my first attempt at cooking a roast dinner. I found the recipe easy to follow and the end result was beautiful. This is definitely the perfect roast chicken. I also followed your recipe for roast vegetables and they too were gorgeous. I can no longer get away with saying I can't cook!!!

101. by noobie on Mon 23 Mar 2009 @ 16:45

good. i will give it a try

102. by mikey fury on Sun 22 Mar 2009 @ 14:57

yumyumyum. my tummy is very happy now!

103. by Josie on Sun 22 Mar 2009 @ 14:49

Hey Jamie
Today as its mothers day i am making my mum this recipe
i hope it goes ok! this is my first time making tis and by the
other comments it sounds delish!

Josie
xx

104. by John on Wed 11 Mar 2009 @ 19:02

Cheers for this one mate hope she like's it!!!!!!

105. by Emma B on Fri 13 Feb 2009 @ 11:56

I have made this a couple of times, first time better than last but you can really taste the lemon and rosemary -great flavours. I also made real gravy from the stock as well for first time, it works well but found it difficult to see and so drain the fat (because of the Veg in tray) so I just added hot stock to pan and made it with fat still in pan - anyway! all tasted good. Lovely served with mash potatoe and swede!

106. by Bradders on Fri 23 Jan 2009 @ 19:54

do you know of the bob marley breakfast? and how many hash browns do you suggest we have with it?

107. by Nichola on Wed 07 Jan 2009 @ 20:59

Thank you for the best chicken dinner with roasted vegetables I have ever had! Keep up the good work please!

108. by Jenny Barker on Wed 07 Jan 2009 @ 05:44

In our house when I roast a chicken it is always called the Jamie Oliver Roast Chicken which I do exactly as above but also put butter under the skin over the breasts which I saw you do in one of your earliest cooking shows here in Australia! This year I also did your baby carrots in orange juice and thyme which were also a great hit - thanks mate!

109. by hudson on Wed 31 Dec 2008 @ 21:33

just made this dish with the roast pots, parsnip and carrots..wow.. cheaper than going out and cheaper than a take away..with lots more taste bring it on jamie.. happy new year.........

110. by szpilki on Sat 27 Dec 2008 @ 18:49

Hi,
I do not like chicken at all. But my husband does :]
So I had to do this chicken tonight, and I have made it. Based on Jamie's recipe the result was almost fabulous ;)
Great recipe. I normally use lemon juice with breast chicken (in my kitchen it is used instead of salt in my kitchen), but it was brand new for me to put a whole lemon inside chicken. It caused a total new taste for the meal I didn't like.
Thank You Oliver!

111. by Esther on Fri 26 Dec 2008 @ 08:28

Hi Jamie

Merry Christmas to you and your family! I'm from Malaysian Borneo, state of Sabah.
I've seen your Christmas program and I thought it was brill! I love your recipes, your programs and your vibrancy in showing how its done.

Cheers and have a grand new year!

112. by mihad on Thu 25 Dec 2008 @ 12:38

owri mogohowa? onotyyueiiepa comment tu appelsekeo?
kiekkkeo akekkksman, fanx ha tu! meme bebika! toko? nonololtoya? lolkiuyi akajjand. hoonopaliykatyiu? amar goo kaithyi nee? ami bala nie? amar maa goo kie!
oi ami hasa koyar!
tant eyk yoi!

113. by june on Sat 20 Dec 2008 @ 23:34

would like recipe for topside meat joint

114. by Daniela on Tue 16 Dec 2008 @ 14:18

Hi Jamie!

My family cried tears of joy because of this reciept.

Thank you from Portugal.

115. by Freeson Teo on Sat 06 Dec 2008 @ 08:30

Hi Jamie,
I'm a very big fan from Malaysia of your program 'Jamie's Kithen'. Me and my husband do admire your passion about cooking, you are our IDOL!!!
Thanks for the lovely recipe, i m gonna try to make this and give my husband a big surprise for this coming X'mas! (",)

116. by ben on Sat 29 Nov 2008 @ 09:55

Hey Jamie the chicken is cooking and looks and smells wonderful!

Do you have any good desert recipes maybe a sweet recipe for some KO hash cookies?

I wanna get baked!

Cheers geezer...!

117. by nawzad on Mon 17 Nov 2008 @ 00:40

can you please tell me how cook roosted beef

118. by darkdwarf on Mon 10 Nov 2008 @ 22:09

The chicken I bought was 1.55kg in weight, so I followed the exact cooking time and then rested the meat whilst I made the gravy. Started to carve the chicken then discovered that it was quite bloody around the wing and leg joints. (Red liquid oozing out - didn't look cooked).
So back in the oven for 20/30 mins. The carved side of the breast dried out a little on top because of this, but it came out looking safely cooked. (Perhaps a large lemon caused the undercooking - or maybe it was my Italian oven, which is hotter at the bottom, so perhaps the bird was up too high).
I've never made gravy using a vegetable trivet before, and the result was delicious!
The meat was moist and tender (apart from the carved piece) and the kids, who aren't normally that keen, scoffed it all up. Roasties worked well too.

119. by Dave Page on Sun 19 Oct 2008 @ 20:08

You are a top diamond geezer. I've followed your recipe to the 't' and it came out absolutely ace. Had my new girlfriend over for lunch and totally impressed her. Keep up all the great work fella.

120. by bianca on Sun 19 Oct 2008 @ 05:26

Firstly, thank-you for this recipe. It is absolutely gorgeous! I was wondering if chicken breasts could be used with this recipe instead of a whole chicken?

121. by annmarietracey on Sun 19 Oct 2008 @ 01:08

This is for Lliana who was asking about the chicken breast recipe on the ministry of food. The like for that recipe is
http://www.jamiesministryoffood.com/content/c4/recipes/parmesan-chicken-breasts-with-crispy-posh-ham
Copy and paste into the address bar. Hope this is useful.

On Sunday i made one of Jamies recipes out of the Jamie at home book, it was crispy and sticky chicken with tomatoes and crushed potatoes, i would recommend it to anyone as is was absolutely gorgeous. Got to make it for my family now.

122. by jules on Sat 18 Oct 2008 @ 19:34

im trying to make the chicken stirfry tonight ive bought all the ingredients but id never seen ginger b4 tonight and im not syre how to add it in do you peel it first slice it how much do you need to use

123. by barky on Sat 18 Oct 2008 @ 17:12

this is they easy and nice to make

124. by Gracie Loveday age 10 on Fri 17 Oct 2008 @ 15:36

Dear Jamie, my mum thinks that I should learn how to cook. we made this lastweek. mummy helped me to get it in and out of the oven cause it was to heavy but i did the rest. my dad and my sister scoffed it all up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have also made your meatballs too!!mummy says i wont starve when i go to university now.

125. by Iliana on Fri 17 Oct 2008 @ 15:10

Hi jamie, Can't find your recipe for the chicken breast that was bashed flat with prosciutto. Featured on the second program of Ministry of Food that we watched here in Melbourne, I cannot recall what other ingredients may have been used. Would appreciate the recipe. Keep up the good work. Iliana

126. by Lili on Fri 17 Oct 2008 @ 14:55

For Jin who wanted the gravy recipe:

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/meat-recipes/consistently-good-gravy

I can't wait to cook this on Sunday! :)

127. by Crazy Maggie on Thu 16 Oct 2008 @ 16:48

I have been ill with depression and anxiety for 2 years and have been living on musli and toast. Today I went shopping and bought the items needed to cook Jools Faviourite Beef Stew. This is the first time I have cooked since becoming ill. It is in the oven now and smells wonderful. My husband is going to be so surprised I have been motivated to cook a meal for him and myself. Thanks Jamie you are a wonderful young man with the energy to make your dreams and ideas actually work for people who for one reason or another have been unable to access good healthy food. I am very grateful without your Ministry of Food we would be eating toast again for dinner this evening just like every evening for the past two years. Kind regards you are a Star!!

128. by Nik on Thu 16 Oct 2008 @ 14:22

Here is the link to the Beef Stir Fry and Egg Fried Rice for those who can't find it :)

http://www.jamiesministryoffood.com/content/c4/recipes/sizzling-beef-with-spring-onions-and-black-bean-sauce

have fun Cooking

129. by adele on Thu 16 Oct 2008 @ 12:32

Please Please can i have the receipe for the Beef/Ginger/chili Stir fry and Egg Fried rice, i would like to cook it in work at lunchtime for everyone - passing the message on.
Camping stove at the ready!.

Also, I would be interested in rolling out your idea to our local infants school, for parents to attend and learn - what are our chances?

Thanks

130. by amanda on Thu 16 Oct 2008 @ 05:32

Hi jamie, Can't find your recipe for the chicken breast that was bashed flat with prosciutto. Featured on the second program of Ministry of Food that we watched here in Melbourne, I cannot recall what other ingredients may have been used. Would appreciate the recipe. Keep up the good work.
amanda w

131. by Anne Fitzgerald on Wed 15 Oct 2008 @ 23:23

Hi jamie, Can't find your recipe for the chicken breast that was bashed flat with prosciutto. Featured on the second program of Ministry of Food that we watched here in Melbourne, I cannot recall what other ingredients may have been used. Would appreciate the recipe. Keep up the good work. Anne Fitzgerald.

132. by Jin on Wed 15 Oct 2008 @ 14:32

on the point of:
• Cover it with a layer of tinfoil and a tea towel and put aside. Now is the time to make your gravy

Is there a specific gravy that is to be made or is it the stuff which is left by the veges and olive oil?

133. by Mohammed Dalloul on Wed 15 Oct 2008 @ 13:11

hi jamie.,,

really man u r really a cheif..I have seen couple of episodes on Dubai TV for your recipes on barbecu meat leg , chicken and fish..
your moves are reallt awsome...I will recommmend my self with you recipes if i do barbeceu in the sea or in the desert....

Mohammed Dalloul
Qatar Doha
P O Box 55475
+9745277702

134. by Theresa Galvin on Tue 14 Oct 2008 @ 21:31

My brother cooked this for Sunday lunch last week and it was delicious. The best roast chicken I have ever had!

135. by jackie lang on Tue 14 Oct 2008 @ 21:31

i'm gonna try that it lucks really nice

136. by mandy1974x on Tue 14 Oct 2008 @ 18:06

great recipie jamie,,,as usual,,,went down a treat.just remenber guys ,when buying a fresh chicken from the local supermarket ,make sure it have a good stamp on the wrapper,uk buyers look for the red tractor,the chickens well looked after and come from a good farm.
mandy xxx

137. by naomi on Mon 13 Oct 2008 @ 12:26

OMG!! I made this and it was delicious cant believe it came out of my oven

138. by Laura on Mon 13 Oct 2008 @ 09:21

Looks delicious!!!
Must try (:

139. by Matt on Sat 11 Oct 2008 @ 19:37

I know of a good chicken "kinda" stir fry that has chilli, pesto, chorizo, pasta and other stuff in it

140. by peter on Fri 10 Oct 2008 @ 20:59

it was nice, just not as nice as jamies sideburns :)

141. by Jennifer Cooney on Thu 09 Oct 2008 @ 13:54

Hi looking for a good chicken stir fry recipe

142. by jOshhh on Wed 08 Oct 2008 @ 12:57

im gonna try that soon, looks soooooo goood :)

143. by coocoocha on Mon 06 Oct 2008 @ 05:44

I have cooked the chicken and found it to be deeeelicious the lemon works well as do the herbs I had to use some dreid herbs but it turned out fine.

144. by namta gupta on Mon 06 Oct 2008 @ 01:51

i just entertained my in laws with this dish - being a vegetarian i knew nothing about poultry and even less about how to do it right. Thank you Jamie - my mother in law has just changed her recipe to yours - the meat just fell off the bone and the meal was delicious! perfect roasted chicken indeed...

145. by Maria on Sun 05 Oct 2008 @ 13:41

Hi!

So, I've just cooked that ckicken and it was brilliant! I loved it! It tastes very fresh and when you cut off the chicken you will smell every single herb. On top of that you really taste the citron in the meat of the chicken! Wonderful!!!!!!! Just recommand that! (PS: It also works with dryed herbs, but is not as intensive as with fresh ones)

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