Golden Roast Chicken with Rich Pan Gravy

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some proper chicken and gravy ? I asked myself what kind of Sunday dinner would Nigella make. It needs to be luscious, and full of flavour, right? This recipe delivers that and it's easier than you think.

The gravy is rich, the chicken is tender, and the skin, Oh my days, the skin is super crispy.

Brief Overview

The classic chicken and gravy combination is the heart of a Sunday roast dinner , a British staple. It's considered a comfort food.

This version of Roast chicken recipe takes a bit of effort, but it's totally worth it! Prep takes about 20 mins, plus optional brining.

Cooking time is around 1 hour 30. This best chicken and gravy recipe will feed 4-6 happy people.

Main Benefits

This recipe has tons of protein and is packed with flavour. Think, Christmas dinner but easier. A beautiful homemade chicken gravy can elevates the dish, so it can be a great way to impress guests, or simply treat yourself.

What makes this recipe special? That's easy, it's the pan gravy from drippings ! It captures all the delicious flavour from the chicken, and transforms into the most amazing gravy.

It's seriously good, honestly.

Ingredients: The Secret to Amazing Chicken and Gravy

Right, so let's talk about what you'll need. We need a whole chicken, obviously! And the usual suspects, like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs.

The fresh herbs really make a difference, so don't skip those if you can help it.

Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken

First things first, pat your chicken dry with paper towels. This sounds weird, but trust me, it's crucial for getting that crispy chicken skin .

Season it generously with salt and pepper, and don't be shy! Stuff the cavity with your veggies and herbs.

Roasting to Perfection: Achieving Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Set your oven to 375° F / 190° C. Pop the chicken on a roasting rack, and drizzle with olive oil.

Baste it with the pan juices every 20- 30 minutes. Cook it until a meat thermometer stuck in the thigh reads 165° F ( 74° C).

Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes after cooking. This gives you extra juicy meat.

Crafting the Gravy: Transforming Drippings into Gold

While the chicken is resting, get your gravy on! Skim the fat off the roasting pan, leaving a couple of tablespoons behind.

Set the pan on the hob, and melt in some butter. Whisk in some flour to make a roux. Cook it until it's lightly browned.

Slowly whisk in your chicken broth. Add a splash of white wine if you're feeling fancy. Simmer until the gravy thickens.

Finally, season with salt, pepper, and some fresh parsley. Voila! You've got some amazing gravy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your golden roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, and Yorkshire puddings. Boom! A chicken and gravy comfort food feast is served.

This Easy chicken and gravy will have everyone licking their plates!

Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Right, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? For chicken and gravy like your nan used to make, you gotta have the right gear and grub.

This easy chicken and gravy will be your next Sunday roast dinner !

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the shopping list for your chicken gravy recipe . I've added both US and metric measurements because not everyone's using the same spoon, are they?

• Chicken: 1 whole chicken, around 3-4 lbs (1.3-1.8 kg) . Go for free range if you can, you really do get better flavor!
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Any decent brand will do!
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . Don't skimp on the salt!
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Freshly ground is always best, innit?
• Aromatics :
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • Optional: 1 Lemon, quartered (for stuffing the chicken)
• Gravy Goodness :
  • Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g) . The real deal, not margarine!
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (16 g) . Plain flour will do the trick!
  • Chicken Broth: 3 cups (710 ml) , low sodium. You don't want it too salty.
  • Dry White Wine: ½ cup (120 ml) (optional). Adds a bit of posh. Substitute with more broth if you're teetotal.
  • Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) , chopped. For a bit of green garnish.

Seasoning: The Secret Sauce

The right spice mix can take this classic chicken and gravy from good to Oh my gosh, this is amazing!

• Herby Heaven: Rosemary and thyme are your base. They make it feel like chicken and gravy comfort food .
• Aromatic Boost: Garlic and onion don't skip these! They are essential in any roast chicken recipe !
• Flavor Enhancer: A splash of white wine in the gravy. It gives it a bit of depth.

For a quick swap, dried herbs work. Use about 1 teaspoon of each.

Essential Equipment

No need for fancy gadgets for this homemade chicken gravy . Just a few trusty tools will do the job!

• Roasting Pan with Rack: This is essential for crispy chicken skin .
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely vital. You want an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe.
• Large Skillet or Saucepan: For your pan gravy from drippings .
• Whisk: No lumps allowed!

If you haven't got a roasting rack, use chopped veggies as a base! Easy peasy!.

Let's Get Roasting: Golden Chicken and Gravy Goodness

Honestly, nothing beats a classic chicken and gravy . It's the ultimate chicken and gravy comfort food , isn't it? Forget fancy restaurants.

This easy chicken and gravy recipe brings that warm, fuzzy feeling straight to your kitchen. We're talking about a proper Sunday roast dinner vibe, right here.

This is one of the Best chicken and gravy recipe . I remember one time trying to make roast chicken, and it came out dry as a bone! Not fun.

We’re aiming for juicy chicken, crispy chicken skin , and a gravy so good, you'll want to drink it straight from the jug! This recipe is inspired by my Nan's Roast chicken recipe , so you know it's good.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Before we get started, let's get organised. Chop your onions, carrots, and celery. Smash those garlic cloves. Having everything ready to go will make your life so much easier.

Trust me, a little prep goes a long way. And please, wash your hands! We don't want any nasties in our Chicken and gravy recipe .

Gravy Gold: step-by-step to Deliciousness

Alright, let's get cooking. We're making pan gravy from drippings , because that's where the magic happens.

1. Grab the roasting pan. Skim off most of the fat, but leave about 2 tablespoons (30 g) behind. That's the flavour base.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons (30 g) of butter into the pan drippings.
3. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16 g) of flour. Cook for 1- 2 minutes , stirring constantly, until it turns light brown. We're making a roux here, folks!
4. Slowly whisk in 3 cups (710 ml) of chicken broth and ½ cup (120 ml) of white wine (if you're feeling fancy). Make sure there are NO LUMPS. Nobody likes lumpy gravy!
5. Simmer for 5- 7 minutes , until it thickens up. Season with salt and pepper.

Gravy Genius: Pro Tips for Perfection

Okay, here are a few little tricks. If your gravy is too thick, add a splash of extra broth. Too thin? Simmer it a bit longer.

The key is to keep stirring and tasting! A little fresh parsley at the end adds a nice touch. And honestly, this Homemade chicken gravy is so good, you'll never buy the jarred stuff again.

Recipe Notes: Your Chicken and Gravy Success Guide

Right, so you're about to make some seriously good chicken and gravy comfort food . Honestly, this isn't just a recipe, it's a hug in a bowl.

But before you dive in, let's go through a few bits and bobs to ensure your classic chicken and gravy turns out perfect.

I'm talking Nan-level good, you know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, so how should you dish this up? Simple is often best. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a generous ladle of that homemade chicken gravy , and maybe some steamed green beans or roast carrots for a bit of colour.

For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look all fancy schmancy. And a cheeky Yorkshire pudding on the side? Always a winner! As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a good old cuppa does the trick.

It's all about that Sunday roast dinner vibe.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going

Got leftovers? Lucky you! The cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

The chicken gravy recipe can also be stored in the fridge for the same amount of time. When reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven or microwave.

For the gravy, heat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. You can also freeze both separately for up to 2 months.

Thaw completely before reheating.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist? You got it. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter for the gravy. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the gravy for a bit of heat.

In the summertime, swap out the rosemary and thyme for some fresh sage or oregano. Oh, and if you are using olive oil in the chicken, use extra virgin olive oil and if its in the gravy use a standard olive oil.

Seriously, do that.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, so let's talk numbers. Each serving of this chicken and gravy is estimated to have around 450-550 calories, 40-50 grams of protein, and 25-35 grams of fat.

Of course, this can vary depending on the size of your chicken and how much gravy you pile on! The chicken is packed with protein, and the gravy provides some essential fats.

But hey, it's all about balance, innit?

I hope that helps! Remember, the best chicken and gravy recipe is the one you enjoy making (and eating!). Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and embrace those pan gravy from drippings for that ultimate flavor.

You got this! Your homemade easy chicken and gravy is gonna be amazing, I just know it. Oh my gosh, that Crispy chicken skin ! Good luck!!