Herb Roasted Chicken with Mediterranean Vegetables & Yoghurt Dip – Best Roast Chicken Recipe NZ
If you’ve been on the hunt for the best roast chicken recipe NZ-wide, you’re in the right place. At Bird & Barrow, we pride ourselves on delivering not just quality free-range chickens but also delightful ways to prepare them. Let’s explore this delicious roast chicken recipe that’s certain to make your tastebuds dance with joy.
Roast Chicken Recipe NZ – Ingredients
Serves 4 generously
1 medium or large Bird & Barrow free range whole chicken
¼ cup olive oil
1 rounded tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tsp dried oregano
4 garlic cloves, minced
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Vegetables
2 large red capsicums, each deseeded and cut into 6 large pieces
1 large purple kumara, cut into cubes
3 medium potatoes, washed and cut into cubes
1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
1 stem fresh rosemary
3 medium zucchini, halved lengthways and cut into thirds
¾ cup pitted kalamata olives
150g feta, cut into cubes
Olive oil for drizzling
Yoghurt Sauce
½ telegraph cucumber
1 cup full-fat Greek yoghurt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Handful fresh mint, roughly chopped
Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Method
The correct preparation will ensure the best results for this roast chicken recipe NZ.
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Grate the cucumber on a box grater and squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. Combine in a bowl along with the other ingredients. Season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Any roast chicken recipe in NZ would be incomplete without some generous seasoning! Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Mix together the olive oil, herbs and garlic. Rub all over the chicken and place a tablespoon or two inside the chicken too. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Tie with legs together.
- Place on a large oven-proof tray.
- Toss the capsicum, kumara, potatoes and red onion with a little olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Scatter the leaves of the rosemary stem and place vegetables around the chicken.
- Bake for 45 minutes. Toss the zucchini and olives with some olive oil and add to the vegetables on the tray. Cook for a further 45 minutes.
- Scatter the feta cheese on top of the vegetables in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Check the chicken is ready by piercing the inner thigh of the chicken and ensuring the juices run clear.
- Tip the chicken slightly so that the internal juices run onto the tray. Place the chicken on a plate to rest. Cover loosely with tinfoil.
- Spread the vegetables evenly across the tray. Change the oven setting to grill (high). Place the tray near the top of the oven and grill the vegetables for 3-5 minutes. This step is optional but a last blast of high heat is a great way to brown and caramelize vegetables that were tucked under the chicken.
Roast Chicken Recipe NZ- Serving:
- Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a board and cover it lightly with foil.
- Leave it for around 15 minutes. This resting time makes sure your chicken remains juicy.
- Now, slice your chicken into your preferred portions.
- Ready to taste your roast chicken recipe? NZ, you’re in for a treat! Serve it with the roasted vegetables and perhaps a side salad or gravy, whatever floats your boat.
Why Bird & Barrow?
At Bird & Barrow, we’re passionate about providing you with the finest free-range chicken from the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. We believe in ethical farming and ensuring our chickens have the best life possible, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your plate. This commitment to quality ensures that you get the best roast chicken recipe NZ has to offer.
Taste the Difference Today
We hope you enjoyed our NZ roast chicken recipe. If you love this recipe, do explore our range of other delightful dishes on our website. At Bird & Barrow, we take pride in offering delicious, ethical, and high-quality chicken choices. Your satisfaction is our top priority.
Remember, every time you choose Bird & Barrow, you’re choosing quality, taste, and ethical farming. We appreciate your support and trust in our brand.
Keen To Try Something New? Check Out Our Roast Chicken Nibbles Recipe And More
We’ve got plenty of delicious recipes on our website, and our passionate team is always developing new meal ideas. If you feel like trying something new, why not give our roast chicken nibbles recipe a go?
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully roasted and safe to eat?
The key to the best roast chicken recipe, NZ style, is ensuring it”s cooked perfectly. Insert a knife or skewer into the thickest part of the thigh; if the juices run clear, your chicken is ready. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read at least 75°C.
How can I achieve the perfect crispy skin when following a traditional roast chicken recipe in NZ?
Attaining that golden, irresistibly crispy skin is a hallmark of the best roast chicken recipe NZ has to offer. Here”s a step-by-step guide to help you master this:
Start with the Basics
Before you delve into any roast chicken recipe or full bird preparation, it’s essential to start with a well-prepared chicken. This means ensuring your chicken is thoroughly defrosted (if frozen) and brought to room temperature.
Pat It Dry: One of the secrets to crispy skin lies in the moisture content of the chicken’s skin. To give your roast chicken that classic crispness, make sure to pat the chicken dry using kitchen towels before seasoning. This step removes excess moisture and aids in achieving that desired crunch.
Oven Matters: The oven’s role is pivotal. Ensure your oven is correctly calibrated and pre-heated to the specified temperature. An accurately heated oven ensures even cooking and helps in crisping the skin uniformly.
Limit Disturbances: While it might be tempting to frequently check on your chicken, especially when you’re eager to see the results of your roast chicken recipe, cooks swear by the rule of minimal interference. Avoid frequently opening the oven door. Each time you do, you release a significant amount of heat, leading to fluctuating temperatures that can impact the skin’s crispiness.
