Annie Bell's Garlicky Roast Chicken

Name: Annie Bell's Garlicky Roast Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 4 large juicy heads garlic; 1 x 1.6kg free-range chicken, untrussed; 75g unsalted butter, softened; juice of 1 lemon; sea salt and black pepper; a little stock or water, optional

Over a year ago 3,740 views

Prep: 35 mins

Cook: 55 mins

Serves: 4

British Main Course 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Food ☀️ Summer

Ingredients

4 large juicy heads garlic
1 x 1.6kg free-range chicken, untrussed
75g unsalted butter, softened
juice of 1 lemon
sea salt and black pepper
a little stock or water, optional

Accompaniment

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Description

This garlicky roast chicken is a delightful balance of bold aromas and gentle flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Infused with sweet, roasted garlic and zesty lemon, each bite is a comforting embrace that invites you to savor the moment. As the chicken roasts, the garlic transforms into a buttery, caramelized treat that pairs beautifully with the succulent meat. Serve it with the luscious pan juices for a meal that feels both special and effortlessly satisfying.

Method

1
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/400F/gas 6.
2
Slice the top and bottom off the heads of garlic with a serrated knife, separate out the cloves and peel them.
3
Pop several cloves inside the chicken’s cavity with a third of the butter.
4
Place the chicken in a roasting dish, smear the remaining butter over the skin, pour over the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5
Roast the chicken for 30 minutes, then scatter the garlic cloves around the bird, basting the garlic and the chicken with the pan juices.
6
Continue roasting for 25 minutes more.
7
Rest out of the oven for 15 minutes.
8
Remove to a carving plate, tipping any juices inside the bird back into the roasting dish.
9
Gently reheat the juices and garlic cloves, adding a little stock or water to the mixture if you like.
10
Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted garlic cloves, and the juices spooned over.