These two show-stopping roast chicken ideas are perfect for anyone who loves cooking, easy recipes with a dramatic twist. They turn a humble Sunday roast into something memorable, juicy and full of bold flavour. One recipe is a smoky beer butt chicken for finger licking goodness. The other is a theatrical chicken baked inside a pastry crust, stuffed with an intense mushroom and butter filling.
Why these recipes work
Both methods focus on two things: building an exterior layer of big flavour and locking moisture into the meat. The beer butt technique uses a spiced dry rub and a beer can in the cavity to steam and flavour from the inside out. The chicken in a crust seals every aromat, trapping juices and amplifying the buttery mushroom stuffing under the skin. If someone wants simple ideas for cooking, easy recipes that still impress, these two are ideal.
Recipe 1: Beer Butt Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 to 2 kg)
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- a pinch of cumin
- 2 dried chilies, torn
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil to help the rub stick
- 1 can of beer, about an inch left in the bottom
- good quality barbecue sauce for basting
Method
- Whiz the dry ingredients together until evenly combined. Taste and tweak if needed for more sweetness or savoury notes.
- Rub the chicken all over with oil, getting into cracks and crevices. Press the dry rub on to create a flavourful bark.
- Carefully place the beer can into the chicken cavity so it stands upright in a roasting tray.
- Roast at 200 degrees Celsius for 1 hour 20 minutes. Ten minutes before the end, baste with barbecue sauce for a glossy finish.
- Rest, then finish with shredded spring onion, coriander and a few slices of chilli for heat.
Recipe 2: Chicken in a Crust with Mushroom Butter
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (1.5 to 2 kg), trussed
- 300 to 500 g plain flour for pastry
- cold water and a pinch of salt to make a basic dough
- 200 g mixed fresh mushrooms, sliced
- handful dried mushrooms, soaked in boiling water and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- olive oil and butter for frying
- a handful chopped parsley
- 1 tsp truffle oil (optional)
- 1 pack of butter, softened for stuffing
Method
- Make a simple pastry dough by mixing flour, cold water and a pinch of salt until just combined. Roll to about 1 centimetre thickness.
- Sauté fresh mushrooms in olive oil, butter and garlic. Add rehydrated dried mushrooms and reduce the soaking liquid to concentrate flavour.
- Chop mushrooms, mix with parsley, truffle oil and a pack of butter. Slide fingers and a spatula under the breast skin to create pockets and push this butter mixture under the skin.
- Place the trussed chicken on the pastry base, cover with the top layer of dough, trim and crimp edges. Cut a small vent on top.
- Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 1 hour 30 minutes. Rest briefly then carve with a large knife for the full reveal.
Expert tips and tricks
- Create a bark: Press the dry rub firmly into the skin so it forms a crust and locks flavour during roasting.
- Use the beer can correctly: Leave a little beer in the can. As it heats, steam carries subtle malty notes into the cavity helping keep the breast juicy.
- Butter under the skin: Getting flavoured butter under the skin ensures the breast meat stays silky and intensely flavoured. Use a spatula to avoid tearing the skin.
- Pastry thickness: Keep the pastry about 1 centimetre thick to form a sturdy shell that traps steam but still bakes through.
- These ideas are perfect for anyone looking to expand their repertoire of cooking, easy recipes with something a little special.
Serving, storage and final thoughts
Both birds are brilliant served with simple sides. Roast seasonal vegetables or a bright salad cuts through richness. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days and make excellent sandwiches or salads.
These two recipes show how a few smart techniques turn a classic roast chicken into a showstopper. They are joyful, easy to follow and perfect for anyone passionate about cooking, easy recipes who wants to surprise family and friends.
These are the sorts of dishes that stop people mid conversation and make everyone ask, what is that? Happy cooking and enjoy the feast.
How To Cook A Roast Chicken 2 Ways With cooking, easy recipes. There are any How To Cook A Roast Chicken 2 Ways With cooking, easy recipes in here.
