With its golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, roast chicken is a true classic. Perfect for Sunday lunch and just as satisfying in a leftovers sandwich, it’s a dish that keeps on giving. Our expert guide helps you choose the right-sized bird and nail the ideal cooking times, so you can serve perfectly cooked roast chicken every time.
Roast chicken cooking tips
- Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes-1 hour before cooking.
- Remove any bindings to release the legs – it allows the heat to circulate for a more even cook.
- Most chickens come without giblets, but if you do have them, remove before cooking – they can be used for gravy!
- Baste 2-3 times during cooking with all the juices.
- Pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer and let the juices run out. If they are clear, then it’s cooked.
Roast chicken cooking times & temperatures
Chicken thighs and breast (skinless and boneless)
Oven 200ºC | Fan 180ºC | Gas mark 6
All these cuts can be roasted for 25-30 minutes.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks (skin on, bone in)
Oven 200ºC | Fan 180ºC | Gas mark 6
These cuts require a longer cooking time, so roast for 30-35 minutes.
Whole chicken
Oven 200ºC | Fan 180ºC | Gas mark 6
Roast for 45 minutes per kg, plus 20 minutes extra.
Roast chicken recipes
Roast chicken is the hero ingredient in many of our favourite recipes, whether you’re after a traditional roast or new ways to cook chicken. If you’re short on time, traybakes using joints such as legs and thighs keep things simple but still full of flavour.
Choose the right chicken for you
Whether you choose a standard, free range or organic chicken is a matter of personal choice and budget. For built-in flavour, opt for our hidden gems: stock-brined whole chicken or garlic and herbs chicken, roasted in the bag for minimal mess.
Serving sizes:
- Small (1.2kg) serves 2-3 people
- Medium (1.5kg) serves 3-4 people
- Large (1.75kg) serves 4-5 people
- Extra large (2.25kg) serves 6-8 people
What wine to serve?
Chardonnay is a classic match for chicken – an oaked variety, either from the New or Old World, is always a winner. Lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir are also delicious.
We set the standards for chicken
At Waitrose, we’re proud of the way every single one of our birds, not just organic and free range, is reared by a group of carefully selected farmers. Our fresh chicken now meets Better Chicken Commitment standards. This means we source our fresh chicken from British farms that raise a slower-growing breed, with more space to peck, roost and roam.
