Budget-Friendly Christmas Chicken Dinner

A delicious and impressive festive feast without the fuss or cost of a large turkey. A succulent roast chicken with all the trimmings is far easier to cook and just as celebratory.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 20

Total Time 1 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings people

Calories 780 kcal

Equipment

Roasting Tray

Ingredients

Main

1 1.5-2 kg whole chicken giblets removed
1 lemon lemon pricked all over
1 head garlic halved horizontally
2 tbsp softened butter or olive oil
salt and pepper

Optional Trimmings

6 chipolata sausages
8 slices streaky bacon
500 g roasting potatoes parboiled
300 g Brussels sprouts trimmed
4 carrots peeled and halved

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the chicken dry. Season the cavity generously, then stuff with the lemon and garlic.
Smear the butter or oil all over the skin and season well with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting tray.
Roast for 20 minutes per 500g (1 lb) plus an extra 20 minutes (approx. 80 mins total). Baste halfway through.
With 40 minutes left, add the parboiled potatoes to the tray to roast in the chicken fat. With 20 minutes left, add the sausages and bacon to the tray.
Meanwhile, steam or boil the Brussels sprouts and carrots until tender.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear. Rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with all the trimmings and gravy.

Notes

Using the same tray for the chicken, potatoes, and pigs-in-blankets saves on washing up and adds incredible flavor. Letting the chicken rest is crucial for tender meat. Use the pan juices to make a simple gravy.

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 55gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 1450mgFiber: 8gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4.8mg

Keyword Budget, Christmas

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