Not a turkey lover? Don’t worry, plenty of us aren’t, even when it comes to Christmas. This recipe is sure to delight the masses, as it takes a family classic and gives it a twist. It is simple, full of flavour, and perfect for large and small families alike this festive season. And if you find yourself with leftovers, just carve up some of that gorgeous meat for tasty sandwiches post-Christmas.

Enjoy x

 

What you need: 

1 large free-range chicken
100g Irish butter
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 cloves of garlic, whole
2 tbls of fresh thyme leaves
1 lemon
Salt & pepper to taste

What to do: 

Preheat your oven to 220°C
In a bowl, melt the butter and add in the crushed garlic, thyme and 3 tbls of fresh lemon juice
Place the chicken in an oven dish and season
Baste the entire chicken in the butter mix
Quarter the remaining lemon and place in the cavity, along with the remaining garlic and the thyme sprigs
Cover the chicken lightly with tin foil and place into the oven, immediately reducing the heat to 200°C
Cook for 60 minutes, before removing the tinfoil
Cook for a further 25 minutes or until the juices run clear & the skin is golden and crispy

Serve with roast potatoes and seasonal veg