A well-roasted chicken is one of life’s great pleasures. This dish emphasises the mild soy and herb flavours in Guinness, which match well with the tender, buttery chicken and crispy skin.


Ingredients

  • 1 large, free-range roasting chicken
  • flake salt, to season
  • Dressed salad leaves and other accompaniments, to serve

Guinness® Butter

  • 440ml Guinness®
  • 500g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp kecap manis
  • 1 tsp flake salt
  • ½ tsp honey
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 loosely packed cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped chives
  • 3 anchovies, finely chopped

Method

Place the Guinness® in a large saucepan and reduce to one-fifth of its volume. Cool and set aside.

To make the Guinness® Butter, whip the butter for 5-10 minutes until very pale and fluffy. Add in the remaining ingredients except for the Guinness® and whip until combined. Add the reduced Guinness® a little at a time until all combined. Roll in plastic wrap and place in the fridge until firm.

Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan forced). Remove the backbone and wishbone of the chicken and press down on the breast to butterfly the bird. Loosen the skin from the breasts and thighs. Take about ¾ of a cup of the Guinness® Butter and stuff it underneath the skin. Spread a further ¼ cup over the skin of the bird and season with additional flake salt. Roast for 35-45 minutes, basting occasionally until the chicken is cooked through. If the skin is not browned to your liking, grill under a hot grill for a further 5-10 minutes. Set aside in a warm place to rest for 10-15 minutes.

Serve with salad leaves and your preferred accompaniments.

Note: This recipe makes enough butter to roast about 4-6 chickens.

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