Host Mode Sunday Roast Chicken
(A whole lemony-herb butter bird on a throne of roast veg)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
1 whole chicken (around 1.5–2kg / 3–4 lbs)
1 lemon, halved
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
Handful fresh herbs: thyme, rosemary, parsley (chopped fine)
Salt + freshly cracked black pepper
Olive oil
For the Veggie Bed:
5–6 medium potatoes, chopped chunky (skin on, why not)
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
Splash of white wine or chicken stock (optional but fancy)
Step-by-Step:
1. Preheat + Prep the Scene
Oven on at 220°C / 425°F.
Pour yourself a glass of wine (for the chef—mandatory).
2. Make the Herby Butter Magic
In a bowl: mash together butter, garlic, chopped herbs, zest of half the lemon, salt, pepper.
This mixture? It’s going under the chicken’s skin. Yes, under. This is what separates the “yum” from the “oh-my-GOD.”
3. Butter the Bird
Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts using your fingers or a spoon handle.
Shove generous dollops of that herby butter under the skin and give it a little massage. (Say: “There you go, mate. Enjoy that spa treatment.”)
Rub a bit more butter on the outside for that golden finish.
4. Stuff + Season
Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon halves and a few extra herb sprigs.
Tie the legs with twine if you’re feeling posh. Salt and pepper all over the skin.
5. Build the Veggie Throne
Toss potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion into your roasting tray.
Drizzle with olive oil, season well, toss 'em around like they’re about to party.
Optional splash of wine or stock for added oomph and moisture.
6. Roast Time!
Place the chicken on top of the veg—like the crown jewel it is.
Roast at 220°C / 425°F for 20 minutes, then drop to 190°C / 375°F and roast for another 1 hour (roughly 20 min per 500g/1lb).
Baste once or twice with juices. Chicken loves a good bath.
7. Rest + Revel
Remove chicken and let it rest 15–20 minutes, tented with foil. This is when the magic sets in—juicy town, population: your chicken.
Meanwhile, toss the veg, maybe whack them back in the oven for 10 if they need crisping.
🫶 Host Mode Vibes:
Put on your playlist light a candle, and give your guests a wink when they take that first bite. They’ll never forget it.