Are you craving a tasty and satisfying meal? If so, I highly recommend Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken, the perfect choice for a savory and heartwarming dinner. With a farm-fresh chicken, I embark on a culinary journey, excited to recreate this renowned Roast Chicken recipe.

Inspired by Ron McKinlay, a true authority on classic cooking, I set out to bring his iconic Roast Chicken to life. Each bite offers a perfectly crispy texture and a rich, savory flavor. The dish is a true testament to McKinlay’s expertise in transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
By incorporating Chef McKinlay’s cooking techniques from his cookbook, this recipe elevates from humble to gourmet, offering a fine dining experience in the comfort of your home. When I prepare it, sharing it with loved ones fills me with joy. Whether it’s an intimate weeknight dinner or a celebratory gathering, I always serve this dish.
My version of Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the roots of home-cooked comfort. It’s a celebration of the joy of sharing delicious food with family and friends.
To help you recreate this experience, I’ve outlined my best tips for crafting this hearty, comforting dish. Follow this guide to create your own flavorful roast chicken, customizing the seasonings to your taste, and enjoy it with the people you love. Let’s get started with this fantastic recipe!
Equipment Required
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: You will need both tools to measure the ingredients accurately.
- Mixing Bowl: I often use a large bowl to rest the meat; you can even use a medium-sized one.
- Oven: To roast the chicken efficiently, I use my trusted oven.
- Baking Tray: I always use a 13-inch by 9-inch baking tray, but you can use any baking tray you have in hand.
- StockPot: Try using a heavy-bottomed stockpot to brine the chicken.

Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to make four portions of Ron Mckinlay Roast Chicken. You may adjust the quantities of the ingredients to serve more or fewer portions.
- 1 Crown of Chicken
- 3 Liters of Chicken Stock: You can also use vegetable stock as a milder option or try beef stock for a much richer option.
- 225 gm of Soft Butter: Use margarine for a mild, buttery, and rich taste.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: I use regular salt; you can also try Kosher salt for a lower concentration.
- 1 Teaspoon of Black Pepper: I even suggest using ground green peppercorns for a hot flavor.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Brining Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 1 Hour | 45 Minutes | 1 Hour 55 Minutes |
How To Make Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken At Home

Step 1
Place the chicken in the stock and bring it to a boil for 3 minutes. Set aside after the boil, and let the chicken rest in the stock for 20-30 minutes. After that, take the chicken out and pat it dry, then place it in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, until the skin dries up.

Step 2
Once the chicken is ready, rub it with salt, butter, and pepper.

Step 3
Finally, roast the chicken at 450°F for 15 minutes until it reaches a golden, crispy texture and remains tender and juicy.

Step 4
Here you go! Your crispy and yummy Ron McKinlay Roast Chicken is ready to enjoy.
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- For a more robust flavor, you can add roasted and ground cumin, cinnamon, and cloves powder along with pepper to the chicken.
- You can also infuse beer (Ale or Lager- non alcoholic ) wine ( white or red-non alcoholic) in the stock to get depth of flavors.
- Try grilling the chicken before roasting to give it a nice char and juicy flavor.
- I also prefer poking the chicken with a fork to infuse the brine within the meat.
- To enhance the chicken’s umami flavor, I incorporate balsamic vinegar or soy sauce while brining.
- You can also splash in a little lemon juice or vinegar for a sour, citrus, and acidic flavor. Grate in a little lemon zest, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, before serving the crispy chicken.
- Finally, I always sprinkle Mediterranean seasoning powder or Italian seasoning powder for an extra umami flavor. You can try the same or sprinkle some curry powder for a more robust flavor.
FAQs About Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Ron McKinlay Roast Chicken itself, is healthy with high protein, but as it is roasted with butter it has a high fat content. So, it is better to enjoy the dish in moderation.
I have listed the exact nutritional value of Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken for your reference:
| Calories | 1358 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Fat | 110 g |
| Saturated Fat | 63 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 33 g |
| Trans Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 288 mg |
| Sodium | 3481 mg |
| Potassium | 1639 mg |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Vitamin A | 2863 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Calcium | 77 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
This recipe is suitable for people who follow a low-sugar, ketogenic, and gluten-free diet. However, vegans, vegetarians, dairy-free and low-fat diet followers will have to make a few alterations in the ingredients.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Low-Fat Diet: If I prepare this recipe for a person following a fat-free diet, I would never add the skin of chicken meat, and instead of butter, I would use low-fat cooking spray or olive oil.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- In The Refrigerator: I usually transfer the chicken leftovers to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They stay good for about 3-4 days.
- In The Freezer: Freezing chicken may ruin the tender and juicy meat. I mostly don’t prefer to store it in the freezer. But if it’s necessary, you can do it. You can transfer it to an airtight container and put it in the freezer. It stays good for up to a month.
Reheating
- In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the chicken to the baking tray and drizzle with olive oil, chicken broth, or butter to retain moisture. Then, place it in the oven and heat it for about 20 minutes.
- In The Microwave: Just like in the oven, I suggest adding butter, olive oil, or chicken broth to the chicken. Transfer it to a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 2-3 minutes until warm, then serve.
- In An Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350’F, pat the chicken with some butter, and place it inside the air fryer basket. Heat it for about 5-7 minutes.
What To Serve With This Recipe
I love serving this Roast Chicken alongside Lemon Risotto. I’ve found that it also pairs wonderfully with Tteokbokki , a deliciously sweet and spicy Korean rice cake, for a complete meal.
For a classic combination, pair it with Cornbread Casserole, or if you’re looking for something more contemporary, serve it with Avocado Toast. For the ideal meal, serve the chicken with Perfect Buttery Green Beans and Crispy Potatoes With Mushrooms, bringing together the perfect mix of flavors.
For a unique twist, try serving the roast chicken with Grilled Tofu or drizzle it with Sliced Beef Stew for a delicious fusion of flavors and textures.
Printable Version
Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Crown Chicken
- 3 Liters Chicken Stock
- 225 Gram Soft Butter
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Equipment
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
- Baking Tray
- Stockpot
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the stock and bring it to a boil for 3 minutes. Set aside after the boil, and let the chicken rest in the stock for 20-30 minutes. After that, take the chicken out and pat it dry, then place it in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, until the skin dries up.
- Once the chicken is ready, rub it with salt, butter, and pepper.
- Finally, roast the chicken at 450°F for 15 minutes until it reaches a golden, crispy texture and remains tender and juicy.
- Here you go! Your crispy and yummy Ron McKinlay Roast Chicken is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, you can add roasted and ground cumin, cinnamon, and cloves powder along with pepper to the chicken.
- You can also infuse beer (Ale or Lager- non alcoholic ) wine ( white or red-non alcoholic) in the stock to get depth of flavors.
- Try grilling the chicken before roasting to give it a nice char and juicy flavor.
- I also prefer poking the chicken with a fork to infuse the brine within the meat.
- To enhance the chicken’s umami flavor, I incorporate balsamic vinegar or soy sauce while brining.
- You can also splash in a little lemon juice or vinegar for a sour, citrus, and acidic flavor. Grate in a little lemon zest, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, before serving the crispy chicken.
- Finally, I always sprinkle Mediterranean seasoning powder or Italian seasoning powder for an extra umami flavor. You can try the same or sprinkle some curry powder for a more robust flavor.
Nutrition
More Lunch and Dinner Recipes You Can Try






Conclusion
Ron McKinlay’s Roast Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that only calls for a few basic ingredients and techniques. I’ve made it multiple times for family dinners and Sunday lunches with great results.
Since I love chicken, this roasted chicken is my go-to dish. If you’re also a chicken enthusiast, I’m sure you’ll find yourself wondering what to cook next. Give this recipe a try, and I’m confident you’ll want to make it often.




