Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Honey Sesame Glazed Roast Chicken?
It is a tender roast chicken dish featuring a sweet and savory glaze made with honey, sesame seeds, and hoisin sauce, served with roasted vegetables.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to enhance its flavor profile.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 200°C, or 180°C if you are using a fan-forced oven.
What are the ingredients in the honey sesame glaze?
The glaze consists of lemon juice, honey, sesame seeds, and hoisin sauce or plum sauce.
Can I use plum sauce instead of hoisin sauce?
Yes, plum sauce is a recommended alternative to hoisin sauce for this recipe.
How do I prepare the chicken cavity before roasting?
Rinse the cavity under cold water, pat it dry with paper towels, and trim any excess fat.
What aromatics go inside the chicken?
The cavity is stuffed with fresh sliced ginger, sliced garlic cloves, and chopped spring onions.
How long is the initial roasting time for the chicken?
The chicken is roasted alone for the first 45 minutes before adding the vegetables.
Which vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses baby potatoes, baby carrots, red onions, zucchini, and red bell peppers.
When do I add the vegetables to the roasting pan?
Add the prepared vegetables to the pan after the chicken has roasted for its initial 45 minutes.
How long do the vegetables need to roast?
The vegetables roast alongside the chicken for an additional 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear after the thigh is pierced with a sharp knife.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
What size chicken should I use?
This recipe is designed for a whole chicken weighing approximately 1.6 kg.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil when roasting the vegetables.
What type of potatoes are best for this dish?
Baby potatoes, also known as chat potatoes, are ideal for this roast.
Do I need to peel the baby carrots?
Yes, the recipe instructions recommend peeling the baby carrots and trimming the ends.
How should the zucchini be sliced?
Zucchini should be sliced lengthwise and then halved crosswise.
What type of honey is recommended for the glaze?
A clear variety of honey is recommended for this recipe.
Should the sesame seeds be toasted?
You can use toasted sesame seeds if you prefer a more pronounced nutty flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken wings from burning?
Tuck the wings underneath the chicken body before placing it in the roasting pan.
Should I tie the chicken legs?
Yes, tie the legs together with kitchen twine after stuffing the cavity to ensure even cooking.
What do I do with the remaining marinade?
Drizzle the remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables during the second stage of roasting and use it for basting.
How often should I baste the chicken?
Baste the chicken occasionally during the final 35-40 minutes of roasting with the reserved marinade.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is a visually stunning all-in-one meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special dinners.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for two sliced garlic cloves to be placed inside the chicken cavity.
What should I use to marinate the chicken?
Use a large glass or ceramic bowl to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator.
How do I serve the finished dish?
Serve the carved chicken with the roasted vegetables, drizzling any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
How should the red onions be prepared?
The red onions should be cut into medium-sized wedges before roasting.
How should the red bell peppers (capsicums) be cut?
Cut the red bell peppers into medium wedges before tossing them with oil.