Charcoal chicken with roast potatoes recipe

Cook 1.5 hrs

Serves 4-6

Prep 40 mins + overnight

Ingredients

1.8–2kg whole free-range chicken

1½ tbsp salt flakes

50g quality butter, softened

1 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tsp chopped thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs

Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

1kg Maris Piper or Dutch Cream potatoes

Aioli, lemon wedges, green salad or vegetables and Dijon-tarragon vinaigrette, to serve

Method

1. Pat the chicken dry using paper towel. Sprinkle all over with the salt and transfer to a baking tray. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.

2. When ready to cook, place charcoal in the base of the spit roaster and light as per the instructions. Poke holes evenly over the chicken with a metal skewer or sharp knife, add extra thyme sprigs to the cavity and truss the legs together with butcher’s string. Run the rotisserie arm through the cavity and secure the spikes at either end. In a bowl, mix the butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper.

3. Once the charcoal has ashed over, secure the rotisserie arm in place and put a large tray on the grill under the chicken. Brush the chicken evenly with a third of the herb butter and set a timer for 80 minutes.

4. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized pieces. Add to a pot of salted water, bring to the boil and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain, toss with a little herb butter and carefully add to the tray on the rotisserie. Brush the chicken with the remaining butter. Cook the potatoes, turning occasionally, for 40 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

5. After 80 minutes, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. When it registers 74°C, carefully remove the chicken from the spit; rest for 10 minutes.

6. Portion the chicken; serve with the potatoes, a side of aioli, lemon wedges and a green salad or green vegetables, with a Dijon-tarragon vinaigrette.

Cook’s tip: An adjustable rotisserie height lets you tailor your technique – low for a quick sear or raised for slower, more even cooking.

Cook’s note: For a flavour boost, add half a lemon to the chicken cavity before cooking.

Keep in mind…

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your spit roaster.
• Position your spit roaster on a flat and clear, well-ventilated space outdoors and never leave a lit appliance unattended.
• Before using a gas spit roaster, check the gas hose. Do not use if it is crushed, kinked or cracked. Also check that your LPG cylinder is in date.
• Check with your local fire service about using spit roasters during restrictions such as fire bans.
• Keep children and pets away from spit roasters and gas cylinders and put matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Need some advice on using your spit roaster?

Whether you're cooking chicken, lamb, pork or a larger roast, getting the setup right can make all the difference. Read this step-by-step guide for practical tips on cooking food on a spit roaster for delicious results.

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola.