The Ultimate Guide to Cooking a Whole Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken is not only a delicious way to bring the family together around the dinner table but also a versatile option that provides ample leftovers for subsequent meals. At The Cornish Food Box Company, we celebrate the tradition of home cooking using quality ingredients sourced from local producers. Our simple guide to cooking a whole chicken gives you the cooking times for different sized birds plus tips for the most succulent meat and alternatives to simply roasting your bird.
Roasting
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 20 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 20 minutes.
Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Approx. Cooking Times:
For a small chicken (1.5kg) - 1hr 20 mins
For a medium chicken (1.8kg) - 1hr 30 mins
For a large chicken (2.4kg) - 2 hrs
If you stuff the chicken cavity with stuffing mix, onion, lemon or other fillings you will need to increase the cooking time slightly.
You know your chicken is cooked when the juices run clear. Cut in to the meat between the breast and the top of the leg to check. If you are using a meat thermometer the meat should reach 70C and stay at that temperature for at least 2 minutes.
Grilling or Barbecuing
Prepare the grill or barbecue for indirect cooking over medium heat.
Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite barbecue rub or marinade.
Place the chicken on the grill away from direct heat and close the lid.
Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Slow Cooking
Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and add broth or water until the chicken is partially submerged.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone.
Poaching
In a large pot, combine water, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs such as thyme and parsley.
Bring the water to a simmer and add the whole chicken.
Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving.
3 Recipe Ideas To Use Your Whole Chicken
1. Roast Chicken: Classic Comfort Food with a Twist
Roasting a whole chicken is a time-honored tradition that never fails to impress. This recipe combines the classic roast chicken with Mexican or South American flavours. To achieve a golden, succulent roast chicken, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Rub the chicken generously with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a Mexican or cajun spice mix ensuring it is rubbed well in to the skin all over the bird. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 20 minutes per 500g, plus an extra 20 minutes. Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. For a crispy skin turn up the oven temperature to 220C for the last 15 minutes.
Recipe Idea: Serve roast chicken with roasted potatoes, homemade coleslaw and a crunchy salad for a feast the whole family will enjoy.
2. Chicken Soup: Nourishing and Wholesome
After enjoying a delicious roast chicken dinner, don't let the leftovers go to waste. Use the carcass to make a hearty chicken soup that's perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. Simply simmer the chicken carcass in a large pot of water with onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs for a few hours to create a rich, flavorful broth. Add leftover chicken meat, chopped vegetables, and noodles or rice to make a satisfying soup.
Recipe Idea: Make a classic chicken noodle soup by adding cooked pasta, diced carrots, celery, and peas to the broth. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for a comforting meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
3. Chicken Curry: A Flavourful Twist
Transform leftover chicken into a vibrant and aromatic curry that's sure to please the whole family. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, ginger, and spices such as curry powder, cumin, and turmeric in a large saucepan. Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and cooked chicken pieces, then simmer until the flavours meld together. Serve the chicken curry with rice, naan bread, and chutney for a satisfying meal.
Recipe Idea: Try our family-friendly chicken tikka masala recipe by marinating chicken pieces in yogurt and spices before grilling or baking until tender. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread for a delicious Indian-inspired feast.
