Our Highbridge Farm whole chickens are a true celebration of quality and flavour. Sourced from chickens raised with care and sustainability on the lush pastures of Highbridge Farm, these birds reflect exceptional standards of farming and craftsmanship.

Perfect for roasting, these whole chickens deliver tender, juicy meat with golden, crispy skin that makes for an impressive centrepiece at any meal. Their natural flavour shines when simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, but they’re equally suited to creative marinades and spices for a modern twist.

Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, a whole chicken can also be slow-cooked for tender, pull-apart meat. Serve with traditional sides like roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and gravy, or explore global flavours with couscous, rice, or spiced vegetables. The leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, salads, or soups, making these chickens a practical and delicious choice.

Whether for a casual Sunday roast or an elegant celebration, our Highbridge Farm whole chickens promise flavour, tenderness, and the assurance of sustainable, local farming. Celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing with this versatile, premium-quality bird.

Perfectly Roasted Whole Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs

Roasting a whole chicken is a classic way to enjoy tender, juicy meat with crispy, golden skin. This recipe uses lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a flavorful and aromatic roast perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (1.5–2kg)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 garlic bulb, halved crosswise
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves

Optional Vegetables for Roasting:

• 2 onions, quartered
• 4 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 500g baby potatoes

Method

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the fridge at least 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

2. Season the Chicken

1. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring an even coating.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.

3. Prepare the Roasting Tray

1. If using vegetables, scatter the onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes in the bottom of a large roasting tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast-side up.

4. Roast the Chicken

1. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes per 500g, plus an additional 20 minutes (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes for a 2kg chicken).
2. Baste the chicken with its juices every 30 minutes for added flavor and moisture.
3. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 74°C, and the juices should run clear.

5. Rest the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a carving board. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat.
2. While the chicken rests, return the vegetables to the oven to finish roasting, if needed.

6. Make the Gravy (Optional)

1. Skim off excess fat from the roasting tray and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tbsp plain flour and stir to make a paste. Gradually whisk in 500ml chicken stock and simmer until thickened.
3. Strain the gravy and season to taste.

7. Carve and Serve

1. Carve the chicken by removing the legs, wings, and breasts, slicing as needed.
2. Serve with the roasted vegetables, potatoes, and gravy.

Chef’s Tips

• Extra Crispy Skin: For super crispy skin, dry the chicken thoroughly and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight before roasting.
• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes to the olive oil or butter for a spiced twist.

This recipe guarantees a juicy and flavorful roasted whole chicken with golden, crispy skin—perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Enjoy!

Storage Information

All our products are supplied fresh unless stated otherwise.

Fresh Product

Fresh products are labelled with a fresh use by. When we complete your order it is cut fresh 1 day prior to delivery. If you wish to freeze the product you can be assured you can do so. You should do so immediately you receive it.

We recommend that you label what you freeze with the following MAXIMUM suggested BEST BEFORE DATES:

1. Beef, Lamb & Pork 365 days 
2. Poultry 180 days
3. Sausages & Bacon 365 days
4. Mince of any kind 120 days

Frozen Product

Any frozen product you receive from us will have a frozen use by date on it. 

When defrosting we recommend taking the product out of the freezer and defrosting gradually in you fridge. Depending on the size of the product you should take it out 2-3 days prior to use and use it within 2 days