There’s nothing like the smell of roast chicken filling your kitchen – it's the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone together. While classic roast chicken will always be a favourite, it's fun exploring bold flavours and modern techniques to elevate this timeless dish. These 8 easy roast chicken recipes will transform both Sunday lunch and special occasions.

1. Harissa-rubbed chicken with heirloom tomato salad

Abigail Donnelly’s harissa-spiced chicken brings the vibrant flavours of North Africa straight to your table. First, the smoky, fiery harissa rub forms a beautifully crisp crust that locks in the chicken’s juices. Next, a fresh heirloom tomato salad adds a cool, juicy contrast, perfectly balancing the heat. Together, these elements create a meal that’s bold, flavourful and easy enough to enjoy any night of the week.

Harissa-rubbed chicken with heirloom tomato salad recipe

2. Xigugu-and-coconut roast chicken

Khanya Mzongwana’s xigugu-and-coconut roast chicken is a celebration of authentic South African flavours. The xigugu, a local chilli paste, brings a vibrant, spicy kick to the dish, while creamy coconut adds tropical richness that beautifully balances the heat. Together, these ingredients create a unique and exciting fusion that makes this roast chicken irresistibly delicious.

Xigugu-and-coconut roast chicken recipe

3. Simple roast chicken with sunshiny apricot sauce

Khanya Mzongwana’s simple roast chicken with sunshiny apricot sauce shows that sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. The roast chicken is cooked to perfection, creating a tender, juicy base. Then, it's brushed with a bright, sweet apricot glaze, adding a beautiful golden finish and a delightful balance of sweet and savoury.

Simple roast chicken with sunshiny apricot sauce recipes

4. Grapefruit roast chicken

This recipe brings an unexpected citrus twist to the classic roast. Clement Pedro uses grapefruit to add natural sweetness and acidity, which helps tenderise the chicken while enhancing its flavour. Grapefruit also adds a burst of bright flavour that gently infuses the chicken as it cooks. As a result, the dish develops a beautifully balanced, fresh flavour.

Grapefruit roast chicken recipe

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5. Verjuice-roasted chicken

This dish is simple yet flavourful with a bright, tangy twist on the classic roast. In this recipe, Abigail Donnelly uses verjuice to enhance the flavour, which keeps the chicken tender and juicy as it roasts. Verjuice is a gently acidic grape juice that adds a subtle sharpness without overpowering the chicken.

Verjuice-roasted chicken recipe

6. Air-fryer roast chicken

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this recipe by Abigail Donnelly is a great example of how convenient cooking can be. Instead of using the oven, an air-fryer cooks the chicken quickly while still delivering that golden, crispy skin everyone loves.

Air-fryer roast chicken recipe

7. Roast lemon-and-olive chicken

Hannah Lewry’s roast lemon-and-olive chicken is bright and flavourful. The lemon adds a fresh citrusy zing that lifts the richness of the chicken, while olives bring a savoury, slightly salty depth that balances the dish.

Roast lemon-and-olive chicken recipe

8. Sunday curried roast chicken

There’s nothing quite like a Sunday roast, but Cariema Isaacs' curried roast chicken takes it to a whole new level. Tender, golden chicken is coated in a fragrant curry marinade that fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma. As it roasts, the spices deepen and mingle, creating a rich, warming flavour that’s perfect for sharing.

Sunday curried roast chicken recipe

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