Juicy Whole Chicken

This delicious whole roasted chicken can be made in the oven or on the grill outside for delicious juicy chicken. No dry breast here!

Ingredients

• 1 whole free-range or organic chicken (1-2kg)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 
• 1/2 lemon, sliced 
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed 
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves 
• 1 leek, chopped
• 2 large carrots
• 1 large sweet potato
•  2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 cup water or white wine
  
  Method

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub softened butter all over the chicken, including under the skin. Place half of the lemon slices under the skin, tucking them in as best as you can. 

2. Place the cubed butter, thyme, and remaining lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.

3. Place the chicken in a roasting dish. Add the chopped leek, carrot, sweet potato, and minced garlic to the dish. Pour the water or white wine around the chicken.

4. Place the roasting dish on a pizza stone on the grill, or on a bed of pebbles to elevate it off direct heat. Close the grill lid and roast at 160°c for 1.5-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 74°c. Alternatively, place in a 160°c oven for 1.5-2hrs. 

5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables and enjoy! 

Tips: For extra crispy skin, you can preheat the grill to high for 10 minutes before placing the chicken on. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices!