As the delicious aroma wafts through my kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia for family gatherings centered around comfort food. Colin Fassnidge’s famous chicken bread has quickly become a beloved staple in my home, combining tender, herb-marinated roast chicken with a crispy sourdough crust that embraces all the juicy flavors. This spectacular dish not only showcases a hearty meal but also creates a beautiful centerpiece that’s bound to impress your loved ones. With its quick prep and satisfying textures, it’s a wonderful way to transform dinner into a memorable occasion. So, are you ready to savor the incredible fusion of flavors and textures that awaits? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is this chicken bread a must-try? Comforting and delicious: This chicken bread combines roast chicken and sourdough in a warm embrace, making every bite a cozy experience for your family. Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip this up, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Crowd-pleaser: The delightful aroma of herbs and roasted chicken fills your home, guaranteed to impress family and friends, just like my favorite Buffalo Chicken Tacos. Unique centerpiece: Serve it up as an eye-catching main dish, inviting everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a heartwarming meal together. Flavor-packed: The sourdough bread absorbs the succulent juices from the chicken, creating a scrumptious, savory flavor that’s simply irresistible—an experience akin to the brightness of Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza! Famous Chicken Bread Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade • Basil – 1 bunch, roughly chopped, provides fresh, aromatic notes; substitute with fresh parsley for a milder flavor. • Thyme – 1 bunch, roughly chopped, adds earthy herbal tones; substitute with oregano for a different taste. • Rosemary – 2 sprigs, roughly chopped, infuses a robust flavor; dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best. • Garlic – 1 bulb, smashed, enhances depth of flavor; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable (2-3 cloves). • Extra virgin olive oil – 1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling, provides richness; any neutral oil can substitute, but olive oil brings a unique taste. For the Main Dish • Whole chicken – 1.2kg, the star of the dish, offering moisture and protein; ensure it’s unstuffed for proper cooking. • Large potato – 1, unpeeled, scrubbed, and thickly sliced, serves as a bed for the chicken, absorbing flavors; swap with sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist. • Sourdough loaf – 1 stale, essential for the bread base, ensuring it holds shape under the chicken; fresh bread can be used but stale holds better. • Water – 1 cup, creates steam while roasting, keeping the chicken moist. • Salted butter – 80g, chopped, enhances richness and flavor; unsalted butter can be used if preferred. • Cherry tomatoes – 125g, adds color and brightness; replace with halved grape tomatoes or omit if unavailable. For Seasoning • Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper – to season, essential for flavor; adjust to personal taste. This famous chicken bread promises to elevate your family gatherings while offering comfort and deliciousness in each satisfying bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for famous chicken bread Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a large bowl, combine the chopped basil, thyme, rosemary, smashed garlic, and olive oil to create a fragrant marinade. Coat the 1.2kg whole chicken thoroughly with the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor. The famous chicken bread will benefit immensely from this marinating process! Step 2: Preheat the Oven While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 200°C fan-forced (or 220°C conventional). This high temperature will help achieve a beautifully crisp exterior on your famous chicken bread while keeping the inside succulent. As the oven warms, you’ll be able to smell the inviting herb aroma filling your kitchen. Step 3: Prepare the Roasting Tray Take a large roasting tray and layer the thickly sliced, scrubbed potato at the bottom. These will serve as a flavorful base that absorbs the chicken drippings. Ensure the tray is suitable to hold both the bread and the chicken snugly. This step is crucial to create the perfect home for your famous chicken bread. Step 4: Prepare the Sourdough Bread Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off the top third of the stale sourdough loaf, leaving a sturdy base that will support the juicy chicken. Place the bread base directly on top of the sliced potatoes. Once positioned, gently pour 1 cup of water into the tray around the bread, which will help create steam during cooking. Step 5: Assemble the Dish Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Spoon the remaining marinade over the inner part of the sourdough bread, dot it with chopped salted butter, and press the cherry tomatoes into the bread. Finally, place the marinated chicken on top of the bread, pressing down firmly to create a cohesive structure for your famous chicken bread. Step 6: Roast the Chicken Transfer the roasting tray to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes. After this initial time, lower the oven temperature to 140°C fan-forced (or 160°C conventional) and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. Check for doneness—the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C, ensuring it is perfectly cooked. Step 7: Rest and Serve Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the roasting tray from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step is essential for juicy, tender meat. Serve the famous chicken bread on a large platter, drizzling it with the golden cooking juices and a splash of extra olive oil, along with fresh herbs and a side of salad for a delightful family feast. Famous Chicken Bread Variations Feel free to make this famous chicken bread your own with these creative twists and substitutions! Dairy-Free: Swap salted butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep it rich without dairy. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables. Cook until tender for a delectable twist; zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant work wonderfully! Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herb combinations. Try dill and chives for a light, floral touch—it can truly elevate the dish’s flavor profile! Spice it Up: For added heat, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the marinade. This will give every bite a delightful kick! Different Protein: Use a small duck or a whole turkey instead of chicken. Just be sure to adjust your cooking times accordingly for perfect results. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the sourdough for a gluten-free bread option to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining that essential bread base. Sweet Potato Swap: Use sliced sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a hint of sweetness and added nutrition to balance the savory elements in your famous chicken bread. Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving to add a burst of cheesy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. As you explore these options, remember the heartwarming essence of this famous chicken bread, reminiscent of lovely family gatherings, just like my delightful Sesame Chicken Cabbage Crunch Salad. Enjoy customizing your dish! How to Store and Freeze Famous Chicken Bread Fridge: Store leftover famous chicken bread in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bread will continue to absorb juices, so consume it sooner for optimal flavor. Freezer: To freeze, wrap the individual portions in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, ensuring no air pockets remain. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat the chicken bread in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to restore the crust’s crispness and warmth of the chicken. Room Temperature: Allow the famous chicken bread to cool completely before storing. It’s not recommended to leave it out longer than 2 hours to prevent food safety issues. Make Ahead Options This famous chicken bread is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to save precious time in the kitchen. You can marinate the 1.2kg whole chicken up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing its flavor dramatically. Simply combine the herbs, garlic, and olive oil, coat the chicken, and store it in the fridge. Additionally, you can slice the sourdough loaf and prep the potatoes in advance by assembling them in the roasting tray; cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, just place the marinated chicken on the bread and potatoes, roast as directed, and savor a delicious dish that tastes just as fresh! What to Serve with Colin Fassnidge’s World-Famous Chicken Bread Transform your delicious chicken bread into a hearty meal with these delightful pairings that will enchant your taste buds. Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory dish, balancing flavors perfectly. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, it brightens the meal. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables complement the rich chicken bread, providing sweetness and texture that enhances the overall experience. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Their crunch and slight bitterness make them a fantastic partner, offering both flavor and a satisfying texture next to the juicy chicken. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes bring a familiar comfort, creating a harmonious pairing that’s hard to resist. They soak up any extra juices beautifully! Honey-Glazed Carrots: These tender, sweet carrots add a pop of color while their sweetness contrasts nicely with the savory bread and chicken, creating lovely balance. Herb-Infused Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with fresh herbs makes for a light yet flavorful side that rounds out the meal without overwhelming the star dish. Don’t forget to enjoy a glass of white wine or a cozy apple cider to complete your comforting family feast! Expert Tips for Famous Chicken Bread Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight leads to maximum flavor infusion, enhancing the overall taste of your famous chicken bread. Sourdough Selection: Choose a robust sourdough loaf; if it’s too soft, it may collapse under the weight of the chicken. Stale bread works best for structure. Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. This prevents both undercooking and drying out. Resting is Key: Let the chicken rest for at least 20 minutes after roasting. This step locks in moisture and keeps the meat juicy, making your famous chicken bread even more delightful. Don’t Forget Butter: Dotting the bread with butter before baking offers extra richness and enhances the flavor profile, ensuring every bite is satisfying. Famous Chicken Bread Recipe FAQs What type of sourdough bread should I use? Absolutely! Opt for a robust, stale sourdough loaf for the best results. Stale bread holds up better under the weight of the chicken, while fresh bread may collapse. If you can’t find stale bread, leave a fresh loaf out for a day to dry a bit. How should I store leftover chicken bread? After your family feast, store any leftover famous chicken bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bread will continue to absorb the delicious juices from the chicken, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later for optimal flavor! Can I freeze chicken bread? Certainly! To freeze, wrap portions of the famous chicken bread tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, making sure to eliminate any air pockets. This method will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. Remember to label it with the date! How do I reheat the chicken bread? To reheat your famous chicken bread, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place it in an uncovered baking dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure the crust becomes crisp again, and the chicken warms through. This will bring back the delightful textures! What should I do if my chicken is undercooked? Very! If you find your chicken isn’t cooked through (internal temperature should be 75°C), don’t worry! Simply cover the roasting tray with foil to prevent excessive browning and return it to the oven, checking every 10 minutes until it’s safe to eat. Can I use different herbs? Absolutely! The beauty of famous chicken bread is in its versatility. Feel free to swap out the herbs for whatever you have on hand or suits your taste. Fresh oregano or dill can introduce a lovely new flavor profile. Just adjust portions to maintain balance! Famous Chicken Bread: A Cozy Family Feast You'll Adore Experience the flavors of famous chicken bread, a comforting and delicious dish perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hrResting Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 490 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Marinade1 bunch basil roughly chopped; substitute with fresh parsley for a milder flavor1 bunch thyme roughly chopped; substitute with oregano for a different taste2 sprigs rosemary roughly chopped; dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best1 bulb garlic smashed; use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable (2-3 cloves)1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling; any neutral oil can substituteFor the Main Dish1.2 kg whole chicken ensure it's unstuffed for proper cooking1 large potato unpeeled, scrubbed, and thickly sliced; swap with sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist1 sourdough loaf stale, essential for the bread base; fresh bread can be used but stale holds better1 cup water creates steam while roasting, keeping the chicken moist80 g salted butter chopped; unsalted butter can be used if preferred125 g cherry tomatoes adds color and brightness; replace with halved grape tomatoes or omit if unavailableFor Seasoningsea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper to season; adjust to personal taste Equipment large bowlOvenroasting trayserrated knifeMeat Thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large bowl, combine the chopped basil, thyme, rosemary, smashed garlic, and olive oil to create a fragrant marinade. Coat the whole chicken thoroughly with the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 200°C fan-forced (or 220°C conventional).Take a large roasting tray and layer the thickly sliced, scrubbed potato at the bottom.Using a serrated knife, carefully slice off the top third of the stale sourdough loaf, leaving a sturdy base.Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Spoon the remaining marinade over the sourdough bread, dot it with chopped salted butter, and press the cherry tomatoes into the bread.Transfer the roasting tray to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes. After this, lower the oven temperature to 140°C fan-forced (or 160°C conventional) and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the roasting tray from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. Serve on a large platter with drizzling of the golden cooking juices. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg NotesAllowing the chicken to marinate overnight leads to maximum flavor infusion, enhancing the overall taste. Stale sourdough works best for structure. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
