Nectarine Roast Chicken: A Sweet and Savoury Feast
Transform your next dinner into a vibrant and flavour-packed meal with Nectarine Roast Chicken. This beautifully roasted whole chicken is infused with the delicate sweetness of nectarines and a medley of aromatic herbs, resulting in a dish that’s both juicy and succulent. The golden-brown, crispy skin contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy meat, while the infusion of nectarines in the gravy adds a sweet twist that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Paired with crispy, seasoned potatoes, this roast chicken is perfect for any special occasion or a comforting family meal.
Scroll down to get the full recipe and dive into this mouthwatering dish!
Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavours
This nectarine-infused roast chicken comes together with just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering incredible depth of flavour.
- Whole Chicken – The centrepiece of this dish. A 1.3 kg chicken is ideal for achieving juicy, tender meat and a beautifully golden skin. If you use a bigger or smaller chicken, you’ll need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
- Nectarines – Their natural sweetness balances the savoury richness of the chicken and enhances the gravy. In the UK, South African nectarines and peaches are in season from November to May, ensuring you can enjoy this recipe with perfectly ripe, juicy fruit year-round.
- Fresh Oregano – Adds an earthy, aromatic touch, infusing the dish with fragrant herbal notes.
- Turmeric – A warm, golden spice that enhances both the seasoning and the colour of the dish.
- Butter – Blended with puréed nectarine and oregano, then tucked under the skin to keep the chicken moist and full of flavour.
- Potatoes – Seasoned with salt, pepper, turmeric, and cornstarch for the ultimate crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.
How to Make Nectarine Roast Chicken
Season the Chicken
Rub a mix of salt, black pepper, and turmeric all over the chicken, including the cavity. Blend softened butter with puréed nectarine and fresh oregano, then spread it under the skin to keep the meat juicy and flavourful.
Stuff and Marinate
Place nectarine halves, peeled shallots, and oregano sprigs inside the cavity, then tie the legs with kitchen twine. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for deeper flavour.
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash, quarter, and rinse the potatoes in ice-cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry, then toss with salt, pepper, turmeric, cornstarch, and olive oil for extra crispiness.
Roast the Chicken and Potatoes
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a roasting dish with the chicken in the centre. Add quartered shallots, nectarine halves, and oregano sprigs. Cover and roast for about an hour, then uncover and continue roasting, basting with juices, until golden and flavourful. The chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches 75°C (165°F) internally.
Crisp the Potatoes
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and broil the potatoes for a crisp, golden exterior.
Make the Gravy
Mash the roasted nectarines, shallots, and oregano with the pan juices. Stir in cornstarch and chicken stock, simmering until thickened. Strain for a smooth gravy.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the crispy potatoes on a platter, place the roasted chicken on top, and garnish with fresh nectarine slices and oregano. Pour over the rich gravy and enjoy!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Nectarine Roast Chicken is an excellent choice for a wide range of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply preparing a comforting Sunday roast, this dish will impress. It’s a wonderful balance of succulent chicken, vibrant nectarines, and crispy potatoes—perfect for family meals or a festive gathering.
The recipe is also highly versatile. You can swap out the nectarines for other fruits like peaches or plums. You could even add additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavour, making it a dish that can be tailored to your tastes.
Recipe Notes
- If you use a bigger or smaller chicken, you’ll need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
- For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are completely dry before tossing them with cornstarch and seasoning.
- If you don’t have fresh oregano, dried oregano can be used in a smaller quantity.
- The gravy can be made smoother by blending it before straining for a more refined consistency.
Why You’ll Love Nectarine Roast Chicken
- Flavourful and Juicy Chicken: The combination of nectarine butter and herbs ensures your chicken is perfectly juicy and packed with flavour.
- Crispy Potatoes: The cornstarch gives the potatoes a deliciously crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.
- Delicious Gravy: The homemade gravy, made from the roasting juices and nectarines, adds a rich, aromatic finishing touch.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Instagram Tutorial & More
Want to see the magic in action? Watch our step-by-step video tutorial on Instagram and learn how to make this show-stopping dish from start to finish. Take a look at our Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds recipe for more mouthwatering nectarine ideas!
Don’t miss out on other exciting recipes like our:
- Festive Orange and Cranberry Roast Chicken
- Garlic and Herb-Roasted Chicken
- Grilled Chipotle Chicken with Mango Salsa
- Lime and Turmeric Spatchcock Chicken with Baba Ganoush
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki
Happy cooking,Izabella
Description
This Nectarine Roast Chicken is a deliciously unique twist on the classic roast. Infused with sweet nectarines, fresh oregano, and a touch of turmeric, the chicken is tender, aromatic, and bursting with flavour. The skin is beautifully golden, while the stuffing of juicy nectarines and shallots creates a perfect balance of savoury and sweet. Paired with crispy, seasoned potatoes and a rich nectarine gravy, this dish makes a show-stopping meal for any occasion. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavours, it’s sure to become a family favourite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Stuffing:
For the Potatoes:
For the Gravy:
For Serving:
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
-
In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken, including the cavity.
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Blend ½ nectarine with softened butter and oregano until smooth. Carefully lift the skin of the chicken near the cavity and spread the butter mixture underneath. Stuff the cavity with the nectarine halves, shallots, and oregano sprigs. Tie the legs with kitchen twine and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavours to develop.
Prepare the Potatoes
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Rinse the quartered potatoes in ice-cold water, then pat dry. Transfer to a bowl and toss with salt, pepper, turmeric, cornstarch, and olive oil until evenly coated.
Roast the Chicken and Potatoes
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Preheat the oven to 220°C/430°F. Arrange the potatoes in a large roasting dish and place the chicken in the centre. Scatter the shallots, quartered nectarines, and oregano sprigs around. Cover with a lid or foil and roast for 1 hour.
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Uncover, reduce the temperature to 200°C/390°F, and continue roasting for another 30-40 minutes, basting the chicken every 10 minutes with its juices. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F. Transfer to a plate, cover, and rest.
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Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (fan-assisted). Spread the potatoes on an oven rack and broil for 5-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Make the Gravy
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Place the roasting dish on the stovetop and mash the nectarines, shallots, and oregano into the juices. Stir in the cornstarch, then gradually add the chicken stock, stirring constantly until thickened. Strain through a sieve for a smooth gravy.
Serve
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Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving platter, place the roast chicken in the centre, and scatter sliced nectarines around. Serve with the warm, flavour-packed nectarine gravy.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 ServingCalories:790.49kcalTotal Fat:41.78gSaturated Fat: 13.35gTrans Fat: 0.21gCholesterol:178.1mgSodium:1426.07mgPotassium:1639.26mgTotal Carbohydrate:57.99gDietary Fiber: 9.68gSugars: 17.3gProtein:47.95gVitamin A: 161.34IUVitamin C: 43.59mgCalcium: 146.51mgIron: 7.01mgVitamin D: 0.43IUVitamin E: 3.02IUVitamin K: 38.21mcgThiamin: 0.35mgRiboflavin: 0.41mgNiacin: 18.75mgVitamin B6: 1.49mgFolate: 73.19mcgVitamin B12: 0.68mcgPhosphorus: 497.55mgMagnesium: 119.85mgZinc: 4.01mg
Note
Chicken: If you use a bigger or smaller chicken, you’ll need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Marinating Time: For the best flavour, marinate the chicken for at least a few hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the spices and butter mixture to fully infuse the meat.
Crispy Potatoes: For extra crispy potatoes, ensure they are patted dry after rinsing in cold water, and don’t overcrowd the pan when broiling. This will help them crisp up nicely.
Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or fruit in the stuffing. You could add garlic or a different variety of citrus for an alternative flavour profile.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken and gravy.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and potatoes in the oven for best results.
Freezing: We don't recommend freezing this dish as the potatoes may lose their crispness, but the chicken and gravy can be frozen separately for up to 1 month.
