One-pan roast chicken & potatoes

Method

• step 1

  Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Stuff the chicken cavity with 2 lemon halves, 2 rosemary sprigs, 4 onion quarters and some seasoning. Put the chicken into a large roasting tray.

• step 2

  Crush 3 garlic cloves, then add to a small bowl with the thyme leaves and olive oil, mix, then rub this all over the chicken with some seasoning.

• step 3

  Arrange the potatoes around the chicken with the rest of the lemons and onions, rosemary and whole garlic cloves, and lemon thyme. Cook in the oven for 1 hr 20 mins, turning the potatoes in the pan once or twice. To check if the chicken is cooked, pierce the thigh with a skewer and the juices should run clear.

• step 4

  Remove the chicken from the tray and place on a serving dish or board to rest for 15-20 mins. As you lift the chicken, let any juices pour back into the tray. Increase oven temperature to 200C/ 180C fan/gas 6 and cook the potatoes for a further 10-15 mins or until tender.

• step 5

  If you want gravy, use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the tray to a serving bowl, then use a potato masher to mash all the juices, lemons, herbs and garlic together in the roasting tray, adding a splash of water if it’s too pulpy. Push this mix through a sieve, taste the gravy and add some more seasoning if you need to. Bring everything into the garden so everyone can help themselves.