A Feast for the Senses: Free Range Roast Chicken and Dauphinoise Potat

When it comes to creating a culinary masterpiece at home, few dishes rival the comforting elegance of a roast chicken paired with creamy dauphinoise potatoes. This blog will take you through the process of preparing a mouth-watering free range roast chicken using Thomas Joseph Butchery’s (TJB) renowned herb-fed chicken, accompanied by indulgent dauphinoise potatoes. With a symphony of flavours from fresh ingredients, this meal is perfect for a special occasion or a Sunday dinner with loved ones.

The Star of the Show: Herb-Fed, Free Range Chicken

At the heart of this dish is TJB's herb-fed chicken, a product that stands out for its superior quality and flavour. Sourced from one of our most well known and trusted farms that prioritises animal welfare above all else, these chickens are raised on a natural diet that includes aromatic herbs. This results in a succulent bird that is not only delicious but also rich in flavour.

Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole herb-fed chicken (available here)
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
4 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt to taste
A selection of woody herbs (such as rosemary and thyme)

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper. This helps to achieve that golden, crispy skin.
Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Season generously with salt.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon, crushed garlic, and a few sprigs of woody herbs. This infusion of flavours will enhance the juiciness and aroma as it roasts.
Place the quartered onion in the bottom of your roasting tin, creating a fragrant base for the chicken and add a little water to stop it from burning the juices.

Roasting

Position the chicken breast-side up on top of the onions in the roasting tin or on top of a roasting rack.
Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced at the thigh, and the skin is beautifully golden brown. Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through to keep it moist and add an extra layer of flavour. For extra safety. check that the meat in the largest cross section is above 75 degrees to ensure it is fully cooked.

A Perfect Partner: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Now, let’s turn our attention to the creamy dauphinoise potatoes, a classic French dish that will elevate your roast chicken to new heights. Rich and indulgent, this dish perfectly complements the herbaceous notes of the chicken.

Ingredients:

1 kg of organic bakers potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
300 ml double cream
200 ml whole milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
100g grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Cheddar)
Salt and pepper to taste
A few sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan).
In a saucepan, combine the double cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Gently heat until just boiling, then remove from heat.
In a buttered baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes. Pour half of the cream mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half of the cheese.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Bringing It All Together

Once your roast chicken is done, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a succulent bird. Serve alongside your creamy dauphinoise potatoes, garnished with fresh thyme.

Plating Tips

For an impressive presentation, carve the chicken into portions and arrange it on a large platter.
Spoon generous helpings of dauphinoise potatoes around the chicken, ensuring everyone gets a taste of that creamy goodness.
Combine with some other roasted vegetables to further enhance the meal.

The Joy of Cooking

Cooking this free range roast chicken with dauphinoise potatoes not only fills your home with enticing aromas but also creates a heart-warming atmosphere. Whether it's a family gathering or a cosy dinner for two, this dish promises to delight everyone at the table.

Where to Buy

For the star ingredient, visit Thomas Joseph Butchery to order your herb-fed chicken, ensuring the quality and flavour are top-notch.

Final Thoughts

Food is an experience, and preparing a meal like this is as much about the journey as it is about the end result. So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy the fruits of your labour with this delicious free range roast chicken and dauphinoise potatoes. Bon appétit!