Classic Roast Chicken Recipe with Simple Tips

Wouldn’t this be the quintessential traditional French recipe? The symbol of our Sunday meals? The classic roast chicken is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort and tradition.

I’m not going to explain what roast chicken is; everyone knows it… We enjoy it all the time.

However, I will share a few tips that will help you savor a traditional homemade roast chicken!

First and foremost, it’s all about the chicken! If you have access to a local producer, definitely choose that option! It will taste so much better, and you’ll be supporting local businesses, which is important, especially right now… In my case, I used a wonderful chicken from Sologne!

Next, we head to the garden (if we have one…) to gather some fresh thyme and rosemary! Finally, we’ll add a touch of honey… so delicious!!

In terms of cooking, you’ll need to allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for a chicken weighing around 2 kg (4.4 lbs). Be sure to roast it first on one side, then the other, and remember to baste it occasionally with the pan juices. It’s this little detail that will ensure your chicken remains tender.

If your chicken is smaller, reduce the cooking time; otherwise, it may end up overcooked and therefore drier.

I also let my traditional roast chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven before serving. When it comes to side dishes, the options are endless: the famous crispy potatoes, which can cook alongside your chicken, a delightful frittata, a potato salad, or steamed green vegetables…

The necessary utensils:

– A large baking dish,
– One kitchen brush,
– And a meat fork.

There you have it, no need for further explanation…

Now, onto the recipe, Chef!

Print Recipe

The traditional Roast Chicken

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By Emma – Serves: 5 - 6 Difficulty: Super simple Price: €

Prep Time: 5 min – Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 min

Ingredients

• 1 free-range chicken of 2 kg
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 1 bunch of thyme
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Fleur de sel
• Pepper
• 1 glass of water

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

2

Mix the oil and honey in a bowl, add a few thyme leaves.

3

Place the chicken in your dish and brush on the mixture.

4

Sprinkle with fleur de sel, pepper, and place the thyme and rosemary in the dish.

5

Bake the chicken. After 20-30 minutes, turn it over and pour water into the dish.

6

Baste the chicken regularly and turn it again when it is roasted on the second side.

7

Reduce to 180 degrees and continue cooking for another 40-45 minutes (keep basting).