Roast Chicken & Grapes | Abel & Cole
Roast Chicken & Grapes
Clock Image
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hr 15 mins + resting
Roast plump grapes alongside a lemon and sage stuffed chicken for a roast dinner revelation.
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390 kcal
(per portion)
Ingredients you'll need
  • 2.1kg (avg) organic whole chicken
  • 1½ lemon
  • A handful of sage, leaves only
  • 4½ tsp fennel seeds
  • 600g grapes
From your kitchen
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
Step by step this way
  • 1.

    Heat your oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Remove the chicken from its packaging. Put the giblets back in the fridge to make your own chicken stock (see our tip).

  • 2.

    Slice half the lemon into 4-6 thin slices. Pull the leaves from the sage.

  • 3.

    Carefully separate the skin from the chicken breast, lifting it up with your fingers or the end of a wooden spoon. Take care not to break the skin. Place the lemon slices, 1 tsp fennel seeds and a few sage leaves under the skin.

  • 4.

    Rub a little oil and salt and pepper on the chicken. Place in a roasting tin. Pop the other half of the lemon inside the chicken cavity along with a few sage leaves and the remaining fennel seeds.

  • 5.

    Put any remaining sage leaves in the bottom of the tin. Separate the grapes into small bunches and nestle them around the chicken. Pick them off their stalks if you prefer. Cover the chicken with foil. Roast in the oven for 1 hr.

  • 6.

    Remove the chicken and turn the oven up to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Baste the chicken with the grape juices. Return it to the oven for another 15 mins to get the skin crispy and finish cooking it.

  • 7.

    Check the chicken is cooked by piercing the thigh near the bone. The juices should run clear. If not, return to the oven and cook till they do.

  • 8.

    Let the chicken rest for at least 30 mins before carving. While the chicken rests, pour the pan juices into a jug and let them settle. The fat will rise to the surface. Scoop it out. Take the chicken half form the chicken and squeeze it into the chicken. Serve the chicken with the pan juices and the roast grapes.

  • Tip

    Any Leftovers?
    Shred the chicken and make a sandwich out of it with the sweet grapes, a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh herbs.

  • Tip

    Stock make
    Use the giblets and chicken carcass to make a stunning chicken stock – see How to Make Your Own Stocks. Find the recipe at abelandcole.co.uk/recipes

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