Online Reporter
Chef Rudo Kandiero
This signature roast features a succulent whole chicken infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of honey, paired with potatoes that caramelise directly in the roasting juices.
THIS recipe serves up to six people and requires 1 hour and 35 minutes for preparation and cooking.
Ingredients
One whole chicken (about 1,5 kg);
500g baby potatoes, halved;
Three tablespoons olive oil;
Four cloves garlic, minced;
Two tablespoons butter, melted;
One tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped;
One tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped;
One teaspoon paprika;
One teaspoon garlic powder;
Half teaspoon black pepper;
One teaspoon salt;
One tablespoon lemon juice;
One teaspoon honey;
Half cup chicken stock
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin becomes extra crispy. Place it in a large roasting tray.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice and honey.
3. Rub the mixture generously over the entire chicken. For maximum flavour, gently loosen the skin and rub some of the herb butter directly onto the breast meat.
4. Lightly toss the halved baby potatoes with a splash of oil, salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer around the chicken.
5. Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the tray to maintain moisture. Roast for 60 to 75 minutes. Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices. The chicken is done when it reaches 75°C (165°F) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Halfway through the roasting time, toss the potatoes in the pan drippings to ensure they caramelise evenly and absorb the savoury flavours.
7. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This locks in the juices. Serve alongside the golden potatoes and drizzle with the remaining pan sauce.
Rudo Kandiero is a qualified chef with a diploma in food preparation and culinary arts, patisserie and food safety the HACCP way. She can be contacted on Facebook: Rudo Kandiero and Instagram: Rudo Kandiero.
derick.khumalo