If you’re looking for a different way to do your Sunday roast chicken, you have to try this chorizo stuffed roast chicken. Adding chorizo to a classic bread stuffing brings a lovely smoky depth of flavour and gently seasons the chicken as it cooks — it’s a small change that makes a big difference to a familiar dinner.
And if there’s any stuffing left over, save it: it makes the best chicken sandwiches the next day.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: This Slow Roast Chicken Recipe will Transform your Sunday Roast
Why This Recipe Works
Everyone has their own way of doing a roast chicken. Some Sundays it’s as simple as seasoning the bird and squeezing lemon juice over it, with the lemon halves stuffed into the cavity. Other times it’s a straightforward bread stuffing, or a chicken roasted with whole garlic cloves and bay leaves, butter over the breast, and chunks of potato added to the tin halfway through cooking so they soak up all those buttery, garlicky juices.
This chorizo stuffed version is a real winner when you fancy changing things up. The chorizo adds a gentle smokiness to the stuffing without overpowering the chicken, and it’s just as easy to put together as a classic bread stuffing.
!Chorizo Stuffed Roast Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1½ oz / 40g butter
- 4oz / 125g breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, or 1½ tsp mixed dried herbs
- Salt and pepper
- 1 chorizo sausage
- 1 x 3½ lb / 2.3kg free-range or organic chicken
- Extra salt, pepper and butter, for the chicken
Method
1. Slice the chorizo and fry in a little oil over a medium heat until golden. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and gently sweat the onion for about 5 minutes, until soft but not browned.
3. Add the breadcrumbs, herbs, chorizo and salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring. Allow the stuffing to cool before stuffing the chicken.
4. Preheat your oven to 220°C.
5. Stuff the chicken with the bread stuffing, then season the skin with salt and pepper. Dot small knobs of butter all over the breast, legs, thighs and wings.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at the high heat, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and roast for a further 1½ hours, basting occasionally. As a general guide, allow 20 minutes per 1lb/450g plus 20 minutes extra.
7. To check the chicken is cooked through, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer — the juices should run clear. Allow the chicken to rest in a warm place for 15 minutes before carving.
Recipe provided by Judy Kavanagh, mum of 2.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes — you can cook the onion and breadcrumb mixture a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before you stuff the chicken.
What can I serve with chorizo stuffed roast chicken?
It pairs beautifully with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, or a simple green salad. The chorizo flavour also works well with something slightly sweet, like roasted carrots or parsnips.
How do I know the chicken is properly cooked?
Pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer — if the juices run clear, it’s done. If they’re still pink, return the chicken to the oven and check again after a few more minutes.
Can I use leftover chicken and stuffing?
Absolutely — leftover chorizo stuffed chicken makes a fantastic sandwich filling the next day, and any leftover meat can be added to soups, pasta or rice dishes.
Related Articles
- Slow Roast Chicken Recipe will Transform your Sunday Roast
- Classic Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary
Save This Recipe
Loved this twist on the classic Sunday roast? Bookmark this page or save it to your recipe folder so you’ve got it ready for your next family dinner — and take a browse through our other family recipe ideas for more simple ways to shake up your weekly menu.
Don’t Miss Our Weekly Ideas
Want more easy family dinner inspiration delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly recipes, activity ideas and family tips — no spam, just useful stuff for busy parents.
—
