10 Delicious Ways To Cook Whole Chicken

lRoasting a whole chicken is a great way to save money and meal prep for the whole week in one go. There are tons of awesome ways to cook a whole chicken — roast it, boil it, grill it, and even fry it — but no matter how you make it, you’ll want to choose the organic, antibiotic-free and free-range varieties wherever possible.

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Some methods are healthier than others, and each one tastes a little different. Here are 10 of our favourite whole chicken recipes.

1. Five-Spice Maple Chicken

This recipe from The Primalist is a delicious and easy way to make chicken that fits into a “primal” or paleo diet. Even if you’re not paleo, you should definitely give this juicy recipe a try. It’s Chinese fusion dish that combines ginger, onion, garlic, and orange juice with a maple syrup glaze that will melt in your mouth.

2. Balsamic Roast Chicken

Best served with potatoes and tomatoes, this juicy and flavourful chicken recipe will please your guests and leave you wanting more. It uses balsamic vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, and sea salt to create a savoury, satisfying flavour. Get the recipe at Naked Cuisine.

3. Irish Roast Chicken With Drunken Carrots

Try this tasty chicken dish for some vegetable goodness that can’t be beat. The included instructions for drunken carrots are easy to follow and amazingly delicious. You’ll need bacon, leeks, garlic cloves, some various root veggies, and of course, chicken. Get the recipe at Erin Brighton.

4. Bacon Chicken

Anything wrapped in bacon gets our official stamp of approval. This is actually a very simple recipe that is easy to make and has relatively few ingredients. There are a few garnishes, but it pretty much comes down to the bacon, folks. iFind the recipe at Paleo Parents.

5. Slow Cooker Roast Chicken And Gravy

I love my slow cooker, and this recipe is perfect for those lazy “set-it-and-forget-it” days. Made with ghee, garlic, and white wine for a unique taste, this moist and delicious chicken and gravy will have you going back for seconds. Get the recipe at Nom Nom Paleo.

6. Indian-Style Masala Chicken

For a spicier take on roast chicken, try this recipe. It smells absolutely amazing and tastes even better — plus, its leftovers make for a great easy curry or spicy chicken salad and warps. This one uses green chilies, root ginger, garlic, and garam masala for an exotic flavour palette. Find it at My Food Story. 

7. Roast Chicken With Persimmons And Sage

Try this recipe from Adventures In Cooking for a simple roast with an unforgettable flavour. This recipe feels fancy, but it is totally easy to make. It includes instructions on making a persimmon glaze for your chicken, which is made with vegetable broth, red wine, persimmon, honey, and sage.

8. Beer Can Chicken

Growing up, my dad always used to make a version of this recipe during the summer. It’s a great way to cook moist and tender chicken, and it looks pretty funny, too. Just make sure that your chicken is completely cooked before you remove it from the can, because you probably won’t be able to get it back on. Get the recipe from Paleo Parents.

9. Roast Chicken With Sausage Stuffing

Delicious meat with more delicious meat stuffed inside? Sign me up! This dish will satisfy your family and leave plenty of leftovers. In addition to the meat, the stuffing also includes goodies like carrots, onion, celery, cranberries, and garlic. Get the recipe at Taste Of Home. 

10. Orange Herb Roast Chicken

Try this one for a citrus twist on roast chicken. It will come out tender and juicy, with a little bit of tang. To make it, you’ll need navel oranges, garlic, and a few extras like rosemary and thyme. Find the recipe at All Recipes.

Cooking a whole chicken is a great way to serve a group of people or make plenty of leftovers for yourself. Add a big salad or some grilled veggies to the table for a healthy and balanced meal.