Annie Bell's Garlicky Roast Chicken

This garlicky roast chicken is a delightful balance of bold aromas and gentle flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. Infused with sweet, roasted garlic and zesty lemon, each bite is a comforting embrace that invites you to savor the moment. As the chicken roasts, the garlic transforms into a buttery, caramelized treat that pairs beautifully with the succulent meat. Serve it with the luscious pan juices for a meal that feels both special and effortlessly satisfying.

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/400F/gas 6.

2. 2

   Slice the top and bottom off the heads of garlic with a serrated knife, separate out the cloves and peel them.

3. 3

   Pop several cloves inside the chicken’s cavity with a third of the butter.

4. 4

   Place the chicken in a roasting dish, smear the remaining butter over the skin, pour over the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Roast the chicken for 30 minutes, then scatter the garlic cloves around the bird, basting the garlic and the chicken with the pan juices.

6. 6

   Continue roasting for 25 minutes more.

7. 7

   Rest out of the oven for 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Remove to a carving plate, tipping any juices inside the bird back into the roasting dish.

9. 9

   Gently reheat the juices and garlic cloves, adding a little stock or water to the mixture if you like.

10. 10

    Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted garlic cloves, and the juices spooned over.