Step 2 of 16 · Weeknight Roast Chicken
Buy 1.6–1.8 kg, not a turkey in a chicken bag
Buy 1.6–1.8 kg, not a turkey in a chicken bag — step 2 of 16 in Weeknight Roast Chicken. A 1.6–1.8 kg / 3.5–4 lb bird fits a weeknight oven and feeds 3–4 with leftovers.
Free food & cooking tip: Buy 1.6–1.8 kg, not a turkey in a chicken bag (step 2 of 16 from "Weeknight Roast Chicken").
A 1.6–1.8 kg / 3.5–4 lb bird fits a weeknight oven and feeds 3–4 with leftovers. Bigger than 2.2 kg and the breast will dry before the thighs finish unless you spatchcock. Pull the giblets. Pat the bird dry with paper towels — wet skin will not brown, it will steam.
If the pack is sitting in pink liquid and the skin looks slimy, pick another. Air-chilled birds brown more easily. Frozen is fine if it is fully thawed in the fridge 24–36 hours; a half-frozen cavity will read 60°C on the thermometer while the outside overcooks.
You'll need
- 1.6–1.8 kg bird
- Giblets out
- Skin patted dry
- Pan large enough for veg around it
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