Simple Slow Roast Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Meal

December 30, 2021

8 minutes read

Simple slow roast chicken is a culinary classic for a reason. It’s a dish that practically cooks itself, resulting in tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. The beauty of slow roasting lies in its simplicity; it’s a method that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Imagine the aroma of herbs and spices wafting through your kitchen as the chicken gently roasts, promising a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this is a recipe that will quickly become a favorite.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about simple slow roast chicken, from choosing the perfect bird to achieving that coveted crispy skin. We’ll explore different techniques for slow roasting, provide tips for seasoning and accompanying dishes, and even offer variations to suit your culinary preferences.

So, grab your apron and let’s embark on a journey of deliciousness!

Table of Contents

The Appeal of Simple Slow Roast Chicken

Chicken roast roasted chickens herb simple two recipe eatingwell

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow-roasted chicken. The aroma that fills your home as it cooks is pure magic, and the result is a tender, juicy bird with crispy skin that’s perfect for any occasion. But beyond the deliciousness, there are many reasons why slow roast chicken remains a popular and beloved dish.

Advantages of Slow Roasting Chicken

Slow roasting is a cooking method that offers numerous advantages over other methods like frying or grilling. The gentle heat allows the chicken to cook evenly, resulting in moist, succulent meat. The long cooking time also allows the flavors to meld and develop, creating a rich and complex taste.

Sometimes I crave the simplicity of a slow roast chicken, its crispy skin and tender meat. But other times, I’m in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, like a hearty slow cooker Texas pulled pork. The smoky, sweet flavors of that pulled pork are just irresistible, and the slow cooker does all the work! However, when I’m looking for a comforting and familiar meal, I always come back to that simple, classic roast chicken.

Even Cooking:Slow roasting ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, preventing dry, overcooked breast meat and undercooked thighs. The gentle heat allows the meat to cook through without drying out.
Moisture Retention:The slow and steady cooking process helps the chicken retain its natural moisture, resulting in tender and juicy meat. This is especially important for leaner cuts like chicken breasts.
Flavor Development:The long cooking time allows the flavors of the chicken to meld with the seasonings, creating a rich and complex taste. The browning of the skin also contributes to a delicious crust.
Versatility:Slow roast chicken can be easily adapted to various flavors and cuisines. You can use different herbs and spices, stuff the cavity with vegetables, or add sauces to create a variety of dishes.
Hands-Off Cooking:Once the chicken is in the oven, it requires minimal attention, making it a great option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Simple Slow Roast Chicken Recipes

The beauty of slow roast chicken lies in its simplicity. You don’t need complicated recipes or a long list of ingredients to achieve delicious results. Here are a few easy-to-follow recipes that showcase the versatility of this cooking method:

Basic Slow Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Rub the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder all over the chicken.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Lemon Herb Slow Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Rub the olive oil, salt, and pepper all over the chicken.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon wedges and herbs.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Garlic and Herb Slow Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Simple slow roast chicken

The key to a succulent and flavorful slow-roasted chicken lies in selecting the right bird. While any chicken can be roasted, some are better suited for this method than others.

Sometimes, a simple slow roast chicken is all you need for a comforting meal. But if you’re looking for something a little quicker, you can’t go wrong with easy air fryer pork chops. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in minutes.

And, just like a slow roast chicken, they’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

Types of Chicken for Slow Roasting

The type of chicken you choose will significantly impact the final outcome of your dish. Here’s a breakdown of common types and their suitability for slow roasting:

Whole Chicken:This is the most traditional and versatile choice for slow roasting. Look for a chicken weighing between 3 and 4 pounds for a standard family meal.
Chicken Pieces:While whole chickens are ideal for slow roasting, you can also use individual pieces like legs, thighs, or breasts. These offer more flexibility in terms of portion size and cooking time.
Free-Range Chicken:These chickens have access to outdoor space and a more natural diet, resulting in a richer flavor and more tender meat.
Organic Chicken:Organic chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones, which contributes to a healthier and more flavorful bird.

Choosing Free-Range and Organic Chicken

Free-range and organic chickens are generally considered to be the best choices for slow roasting. Here’s why:

Flavor:Chickens raised on a natural diet with access to outdoor space develop a richer and more complex flavor. Their meat is often described as more succulent and flavorful than conventionally raised birds.
Tenderness:Free-range chickens have more muscle development due to their active lifestyle, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Health Benefits:Organic chickens are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones, making them a healthier choice for your family.
Sustainability:Choosing free-range and organic chickens supports sustainable farming practices and animal welfare.

Preparing the Chicken for Slow Roasting

The magic of slow roasting chicken lies not just in the method but also in the preparation. Taking the time to properly prepare your chicken will yield a result that is both flavorful and tender. This process involves a few simple steps that ensure the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of your chosen seasonings.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you begin seasoning, it’s important to prepare the chicken. This involves removing any excess moisture and ensuring the skin is dry. This step helps to achieve crispy skin and a flavorful roast.

Pat the chicken dry: Using paper towels, gently pat the chicken dry both inside and out. This removes any excess moisture that could hinder browning and create a soggy skin.
Remove giblets: If your chicken came with giblets, remove them from the cavity. These can be used for making stock or discarded.
Tie the legs together: Using kitchen twine, tie the chicken legs together. This helps to ensure even cooking and prevents the legs from drying out.

Seasoning the Chicken

The beauty of slow roasting lies in the simplicity of seasoning. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and herbs, or get creative with your own spice combinations.

Salt and pepper: A generous sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper is a classic base for any roasted chicken. This enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and adds depth to the taste.
Herbs: Dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or sage add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the chicken. Use a combination of herbs or stick to your favorites.
Spices: Consider adding spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder for an extra kick.

Equipment and Ingredients

To successfully slow roast a chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools and ingredients:

Roasting pan: A large roasting pan is necessary to accommodate the chicken and allow for even cooking.
Chicken: Choose a whole chicken, preferably a free-range or organic one for a more flavorful result.
Kitchen twine: This is used to tie the chicken legs together, ensuring even cooking.
Salt and pepper: These are the basic seasonings for any roasted chicken.
Herbs and spices: Choose your preferred herbs and spices for a personalized flavor.
Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps to enhance the browning and add moisture to the chicken.

Slow Roasting Techniques

Simple slow roast chicken

Slow roasting is a simple and effective method for cooking a whole chicken, resulting in tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. There are several different techniques you can use to slow roast a chicken, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Roasting in a Roasting Pan

Roasting a chicken in a roasting pan is the most traditional method. The pan provides ample space for the chicken to cook evenly and allows for the drippings to collect at the bottom. This method is also very versatile, as you can add vegetables or herbs to the pan for a complete meal.

To ensure even cooking, you can use a roasting rack placed inside the pan to elevate the chicken and allow air to circulate around it.

Roasting in a Dutch Oven, Simple slow roast chicken

A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including slow roasting. The heavy-duty construction of a Dutch oven helps to distribute heat evenly, resulting in a more consistent cooking temperature.

The lid also traps moisture, which helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.

A Dutch oven is especially useful for roasting smaller chickens or when you want to braise the chicken in a flavorful sauce.

Slow Roasting in a Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is a great option for slow roasting a chicken hands-free. Simply place the chicken in the slow cooker, add your favorite seasonings, and let it cook on low heat for several hours. The slow cooker will keep the chicken moist and tender, and the long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully.

A slow cooker is particularly convenient for busy weeknights, as you can simply set it and forget it.

Achieving Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Whether you are roasting in a roasting pan, Dutch oven, or slow cooker, there are a few tips to ensure a crispy skin and juicy meat:

Pat the chicken drybefore roasting. This will help the skin to crisp up.
Season the chicken generouslywith salt and pepper. This will help to flavor the meat and create a crispy skin.
Roast the chicken at a low temperature(325°F or 160°C). This will allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in juicy meat.
Baste the chicken occasionallywith pan drippings or a flavorful sauce. This will help to keep the chicken moist and add flavor.
Rest the chicken for 10-15 minutesafter roasting. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.