Roast Chicken with Mushroom and Cheddar Sauce

Wed, 25 September 2024

Ingredients:  

Roast Chicken: 

• 1x 1800g Free Range Chicken 

• 1 tbsp sea salt 

• ½ tbsp baking powder 

• 1 cup mayonnaise 

• ½ tsp garlic powder 

• 1 tsp chopped thyme (or dried herbs if that’s what you’ve got!) 

• ¼ tsp black pepper 

Sauce: 

• ½ tbsp oil 

• 1 tbsp butter 

• 2 cups chopped mushrooms (I love a mix of whatever’s around) 

• 4 garlic cloves, chopped 

• 1 tsp chopped thyme 

• 1 tbsp plain flour 

• 200ml chicken stock 

• 100ml double cream 

• 1 cup grated white cheddar 

 

Method:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan on). 

Spatchcock the chicken (sounds fancy, but don’t worry). Take a pair of kitchen scissors and cut down either side of the spine to remove it. Flip the chicken over and press down on the breast until you hear that crack. It’ll flatten out a bit. 

Place the chicken, skin side up, on a wire rack over a roasting tray. Mix the salt and baking powder and give the chicken a good dusting.  

Pop it uncovered in the fridge overnight (if you're feeling patient) or for at least an hour. 

In a bowl, mix the mayo, pepper, herbs, and garlic. When your chicken’s done chilling, brush it all over with this creamy mix.  

Place it in the oven and roast for around 45 minutes, keeping an eye on it. If it’s getting too brown too fast, lower the temperature a little. 

Once it’s perfectly golden and cooked through, take the chicken out and let it rest.  

In a pan on medium-high heat, add the oil and mushrooms. Let them brown nicely before adding the garlic, thyme, and butter. Turn the heat down a bit so the butter doesn’t burn. 

Stir in the flour to form a paste, then gradually add the stock while whisking. Once smooth, pour in the cream and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cheddar and adjust with more stock if the sauce gets too thick. 

Carve your chicken by removing the legs and splitting the thighs from the drums. Halve the breasts, then halve again.  

Pour the cheesy mushroom sauce onto a serving platter, top with your beautiful chicken pieces, and serve with your favourite sides.