The Ultimate Roast Chicken and Pan Gravy

The Ultimate Roast Chicken Crispy Skin Gravy

By Amara Vitalis September 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered how to nail that perfect whole roasted chicken ? I get it. You want something amazing, right? A roast chicken is a British classic.

It’s proper comfort food. Let's make this simple.

The Ultimate Roast Chicken: Crispy Skin Edition

This recipe focuses on getting that unbelievably crispy skin roast chicken . And the meat? Fall off-the-bone tender. We're also making a crazy good pan gravy. It is a flavour bomb, trust me.

A Humble Classic

This recipe is inspired by those comforting Sunday roast chicken dinners. It's straightforward. Aim for a prep time of about 20 minutes.

Cooking takes about an hour and a half. This recipe serves four to six hungry people. Plus, it is totally doable.

Why You'll Love This Chicken

The biggest win? It’s packed with protein and flavor. This recipe is your go-to for any occasion. From a casual family meal to a fancy dinner.

The secret to our chicken is air drying , you’re welcome.

Thinking of ditching the oven? Consider a Roast Chicken In The Crockpot . I’ve got a feeling that's great for a lazy day.

So many Crockpot Roast Chicken Recipes and Crock Pot Roast Chicken Recipes exist online. You may even find some Roasted Chicken Slow Cooker ideas.

It could be another twist for an easy roast chicken recipe .

Next up, let's peek at what you'll need.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this amazing whole roasted chicken . It's not complicated, I promise. Even my nan, who thinks a microwave is witchcraft, could manage this.

I was honestly surprised how easy roast chicken recipe can be.

Main Ingredients

1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds / 1.3-1.8 kg), giblets removed. Get a good quality bird. You want one that looks plump and juicy, not all sad and pale.
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil. Nothing fancy, just regular stuff.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt. Don't skimp on the salt! It's important.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground makes a difference, trust me.
1 lemon , halved. It adds a lovely zing.
1 head of garlic , halved horizontally. Garlicky goodness.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary & 2 sprigs fresh thyme . If you can't find fresh, dried will do, but fresh is always better.
1 medium onion , quartered & 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk , roughly chopped. These veggies add flavour to the gravy later.

Seasoning Notes

For this Sunday roast chicken , it's all about simple but effective flavours. Salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, rosemary, and thyme is a winning combination. Try to achieve crispy skin roast chicken !

If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of smoked paprika. If you don't have fresh herbs, use dried, but halve the amount.

You can experiment and make you very own Roast Chicken Crockpot Recipes .

Equipment Needed

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this perfect roast chicken temperature , just a few essentials:

Roasting pan with roasting rack. A rack is key for even cooking. This is great to achieve Roast Chicken In The Crockpot .
Meat thermometer. Absolutely essential. You want that chicken at 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Basting spoon or brush. Not crucial, but helpful.
Carving knife and fork. For serving, obviously.
Fat separator (optional). Makes gravy easier, but not essential.

Don't be daunted by the list! This roasted chicken slow cooker recipe is easier than it looks. I managed it after a few glasses of wine, so you definitely can too.

If you're in a hurry, Crock Pot Roast Chicken Recipes are also great.

Cooking Method: Roast Chicken Like a Pro!

Oh my gosh! A whole roasted chicken is a weekend staple in my house. Honestly, nothing beats that aroma wafting through the kitchen, right? I even love making roast chicken in the crockpot sometimes.

It’s so easy! But, today, we're doing the oven thing for that crispy skin .

Let's face it, there's nothing quite like a Sunday roast chicken . That golden brown bird, the sides, the gravy... pure comfort food! And don't even get me started on how good the leftovers are! Today, i'll be share with you my recipe to make you a master.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (or Chickens!) in a Row

Essential Mise en Place: Grab your chicken. Chop your veggies. Measure out your spices. Basically, get everything ready.
Time Saving Organization Tips: Chop your veggies the night before. Seriously. It saves so much time!
Safety Reminders: Raw chicken? Wash your hands. Seriously. And don't use the same cutting board for veggies without washing it first.

step-by-step: From Cluck to Chuck ( onto your plate!)

Pat the chicken dry. Inside and out! Use paper towels. This is KEY for that crispy skin roast chicken .
Season like you mean it. Salt and pepper generously inside and out. We want flavor, people!
Stuff it good. Lemon halves, garlic halves, rosemary, and thyme inside. Think aromatics, think flavor bombs!
Veggie time. Scatter onion, carrot, and celery in the bottom of the roasting pan. They’ll flavour your roast chicken with gravy , too.
Rub-a-dub-dub. Place chicken on a roasting rack. Rub the skin with olive oil.
Let it breath. Place in refrigerator uncovered for at least one hour for extra crispy skin.
Roast, baby, roast! Roast at 425° F ( 220° C) for 15 minutes , then reduce to 375° F ( 190° C) . Continue roasting for 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Gravy Time: Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Place pan on stovetop. Skim fat from pan, reserving 2 tablespoons. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen to Yours

Dry skin is non-negotiable. Seriously. Dry it. Then dry it again. Then dry it one more time!
Don't overcrowd the pan. Space is your friend. It leads to even cooking.
Meat thermometer is your new bestie. It ensures the chicken is cooked through. And it makes sure you achieve the perfect roast chicken temperature .

Honestly, roasting a chicken doesn't have to be intimidating. Just follow these steps, and you'll be serving up a easy roast chicken recipe masterpiece in no time! You know? I sometimes even cheat and use roast chicken crockpot recipes or even just look up crockpot roast chicken recipes when I'm feeling lazy.

But shhh , don't tell anyone! And if you are looking for a lazy day, why not use a Roasted Chicken Slow Cooker ? Just keep in mind, that you may not get the same "crispy" skin as you normally would.

Recipe Notes

Right, so you're about to tackle the whole roasted chicken . I know it might seem daunting, but trust me, with a few little tips, you'll nail it.

Serving Suggestions

Fancy a bit of pizzazz? Don't just slap that Sunday roast chicken on a plate! Presentation matters, innit? Try arranging sliced chicken on a platter, drizzled with that gorgeous gravy.

Garnish with fresh parsley. Roasted spuds and green beans? Classic sides for a reason. A nice glass of Pinot Grigio never hurts either.

And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, use the shredded chicken in tacos or sandwiches the next day! Less cooking means more time for you, you know?

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? (Lucky you!) Pop the chicken in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .

To reheat, stick it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's warmed through. Don't nuke it in the microwave, unless you want it to taste like rubber.

Nobody wants that.

You can even freeze cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, and it will keep for about 2-3 months. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations

Fancy a change? Why not try a Crockpot Roast Chicken Recipe ? Seriously, chuck the bird in the Roast Chicken In The Crockpot with some root veggies and let it do its thing all day.

It’s a great easy roast chicken recipe .

For a dietary tweak, you could try stuffing the chicken with gluten-free breadcrumbs and herbs. Or, for a seasonal twist, swap out the rosemary and thyme for sage and cranberries in the autumn.

Get creative, why don't you?

I saw someone trying a Roasted Chicken Slow Cooker , but I wasn't that convinced with the crispy skin roast chicken recipe that I wanted, but I am thinking of experimenting!

Nutrition Basics

Right, nutrition time. A serving of this delicious whole roasted chicken is packed with protein about 45g . Perfect for building muscles or just feeling full.

It's also got a decent amount of fat 25g , which helps you absorb vitamins. I am no expert, though! I got all this info from someone.

So, do not trust me!

Look, get in the kitchen, have some fun, and get that perfect roast chicken temperature and impress your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get perfectly crispy skin on my whole roasted chicken?

Crispy skin is the holy grail of roast chicken! The key is to ensure the chicken skin is completely dry before roasting. Pat it dry with paper towels, and for even better results, leave it uncovered in the fridge for at least an hour to air dry before cooking, as mentioned in our recipe.

Don't skimp on the olive oil rub, either it helps conduct heat for that golden brown finish. Think of it as giving your chicken a proper sunbathe before its big performance!

My whole roasted chicken always seems dry. What am I doing wrong?

Dry chicken is a common roast dinner woe, but easily solved! Make sure you're using a meat thermometer and cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Overcooking is the biggest culprit.

Also, don't forget to let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more tender and flavourful bird. Basting during the cooking process helps to keep the chicken nice and moist as well!

Can I prepare the whole roasted chicken ahead of time?

You can definitely get a head start! You can prep the chicken by seasoning it, stuffing the cavity, and arranging it in the roasting pan a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge. The day of, simply take it out about an hour before roasting to allow it to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking.

However, you can't fully roast it and expect good results if you were to eat it the next day.

What can I do with leftover whole roasted chicken?

Leftover roast chicken is a gift that keeps on giving! Shred it and use it in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or chicken pot pie. You can also use the carcass to make a delicious and nutritious chicken stock. Simply simmer the carcass with vegetable scraps, herbs, and water for a few hours, then strain.

It's a great way to reduce food waste and create something delicious from scratch, a proper "make do and mend" approach like your nan would have taught you.

Is whole roasted chicken healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Whole roasted chicken can be a healthy and nutritious meal! It's a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron, and zinc.

Removing the skin can reduce the fat content, although the skin is where some of the best flavor resides (everything in moderation, eh?). Remember that nutritional values will vary depending on preparation methods and serving size.

What are some good side dishes to serve with whole roasted chicken?

Roast chicken is incredibly versatile, and pairs well with a wide range of sides. Classic choices include roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, glazed carrots, and Yorkshire puddings (a must for a proper British roast!). You could also consider a fresh salad, steamed asparagus, or even a simple side of rice.

Don't forget the gravy! The pan gravy made from the chicken drippings is the perfect finishing touch.