"There are a million ways to roast a chicken. I like to sprinkle it with salt on the morning of the day I want to cook it, or a day in advance, if I’m organised. Before that, I leave the chicken, uncovered, in the fridge, even if I don’t intend to cook it for another 3-4 days. This helps to dry out the skin. The drier the skin going into the oven, the more golden-brown the chicken will be coming out. Probably the most important factor is the quality of the bird. An organic, heritage-breed chicken is always going to be tastier, so if you can afford the extra money, you will be rewarded." - Danielle Alvarez
70 roast chicken recipes for the week ahead
Start (or end!) your week with a perfectly cooked roast chicken for a hearty dinner the whole family can get behind. From simple classics to new flavour spins, here are our favourite ways with a roast chook.
Spiced roast chicken, potatoes and saffron yoghurt
"Roasting a whole chicken is the tastiest way to cook it. The joy of cooking chicken this way is the ease but also the succulence and flavour. Adding the potatoes is optional, you can always use the juices to pour over the chicken. Either way, serve it with the saffron yoghurt for an easy sauce."
Roast chicken with verjuice, grapes, walnuts and tarragon
This chicken dish is like a little piece of home, plated up with plenty of love and an abundance of flavour.
Baked butter chicken
This Indian inspired whole baked chicken is an easy way to get dinner on the table, whilst curing those takeaway cravings.
Roast chicken with braised borlotti beans
You can dice the vegies as big or small as you like and make this as refined or rustic as you choose, says Mike.
Fresh ideas
Corn
This summer, pick Australian grown corn with grassy green husks for a fresh addition to your BBQ.
Almond dukkah chicken bake with amaranth and herbs
Bursting with flavours, this is anything but your average roast chook.
Roast spatchcock with pancetta and pear
Take a change from chicken in the elegant spin on roast fowl, says Colin Fassnidge
Pot-roasted chicken with strawberries and tarragon
Strawberries make a surprisingly tasty addition to this comforting roast chicken dish.
Roast chicken panzanella
As reliable and classic as they come, but still utterly delicious.
Jamie Oliver's roast tikka chicken
Jamie brings a new spin on the classic roast chook. This recipe is an extract from 5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food by Jamie Oliver (Penguin Random House), in stores now.
Roast chicken with witlof, grape and walnut salad
The combination of fresh salad and perfectly roasted chicken. What could be better on summer night?
Golden chicken biryani
This recipe is based on an Emirati dish known as Mandi biryani, where the chook is roasted above the rice so the juices drip down into the rice, says Matt.
Sticky miso roast chicken
A wonderfully sticky end for this chook.
Garlic-roasted chicken
This midweek meal is anything but your average roast chook.
Middle Eastern roast chicken with couscous
“Add some spice to a family favourite” - Hayden Quinn.