Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the roaster from packaging and place it in a roasting pan, breast side up; Cook at 350°F for 75 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before carving for juices to redistribute. For added flavor, roast with vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
The Perdue Whole Roaster is a convenient, bone-in chicken designed for effortless oven roasting, delivering juicy and flavorful results perfect for family meals.
Overview of the Perdue Oven Ready Whole Seasoned Roaster
The Perdue Oven Ready Whole Seasoned Roaster is a convenient, pre-seasoned chicken designed for easy cooking. It comes in a cooking bag, ensuring even roasting and minimal cleanup. Perfectly seasoned with savory spices, this roaster delivers juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Simply place it in the oven, and it’s ready to serve with no additional prep required. Its bone-in structure enhances flavor, making it a hassle-free option for delicious family meals.
Preparation for Cooking
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the roaster from packaging, ensuring it remains in the cooking bag. Place it in a roasting pan, breast side up.
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) before placing the Perdue Whole Roaster inside. Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve the best results. This step ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and prevents undercooking or overcooking. Always preheat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes before roasting. This initial high heat helps crisp the skin and locks in juices for a delicious meal. Proper preheating is essential for a perfectly roasted chicken.
Removing the Roaster from Packaging
Carefully cut open the outer packaging of the Perdue Whole Roaster. Remove the roaster, ensuring it remains sealed in its cooking bag to retain juices and seasoning. Gently place the roaster in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish, breast side up. Do not remove the cooking bag, as it is designed to enhance flavor and moisture during cooking. Proper handling ensures the roaster stays clean and ready for oven placement. This step is essential for a mess-free and flavorful cooking experience.
Placing the Roaster in a Roasting Pan
Position the Perdue Whole Roaster in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish, ensuring the breast side faces up. This orientation promotes even browning and prevents the bottom from burning. Place the roaster in the center of the pan, leaving space around it for air circulation. If using vegetables, arrange them around the roaster without overcrowding. This setup allows for optimal cooking and makes it easier to baste the chicken during the roasting process. Proper placement ensures a balanced and flavorful cooking experience.
Cooking Methods
Perdue Whole Roasters can be cooked in the oven or slow cooker. Oven roasting at 400°F is standard, while slow cooking offers a tender, hands-off alternative. Both methods ensure juicy, flavorful results when following recommended temperatures and times.
Oven Roasting Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the Perdue Whole Roaster from packaging and place it in a roasting pan, breast side up. Cut a 1-inch slit in the cooking bag for venting. Roast at 450°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F. Cook for approximately 75 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. For added flavor, roast with potatoes and carrots in the pan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooker Method
Place the Perdue Whole Roaster in a slow cooker, breast side up, while still in the cooking bag. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. For crispy skin, optionally place the roaster under the oven broiler at 425°F for 10-15 minutes after slow cooking. This method ensures tender, juicy meat with minimal effort.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
Preheat oven to 400°F, then reduce to 350°F. Cook 75 minutes per pound. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Cooking Time Based on Weight
Cooking time varies based on the weight of your Perdue Whole Roaster. For a 4-pound bird, cook for approximately 5 hours at 350°F. A 5-pound roaster requires about 5.5 hours. Calculate 75 minutes per pound for accurate results. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Adjust cooking time if the roaster is stuffed, adding about 20 minutes to the total. Always follow safe cooking practices to ensure a juicy and flavorful meal.
Recommended Internal Temperature
The recommended internal temperature for a Perdue Whole Roaster is 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and 180°F in the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Insert the thermometer into the breast, avoiding bones, and check the thigh without touching bone or fat. Proper internal temperature ensures food safety and even cooking. Always let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavorful meal.
Using a Thermometer
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and deepest part of the thigh, avoiding bones and fat. Ensure it reads 165°F for safety.
How to Check Internal Temperature
Checking the internal temperature is crucial for ensuring the chicken is cooked safely. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and the deepest part of the thigh, avoiding bones and fat. The thermometer should read at least 165°F (74°C) for both areas. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Always use a food-safe thermometer and check multiple areas to confirm consistent doneness. This step is vital for food safety and optimal flavor.
Resting and Gravy
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender meat. For gravy, deglaze the roasting pan with broth or wine, scraping up browned bits for rich flavor.
Importance of Resting the Chicken
Resting the chicken after roasting is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor. During cooking, juices concentrate in the meat. Allowing the chicken to rest enables these juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat. Skipping this step can result in dry, less flavorful chicken. After removing from the oven, tent the chicken with foil to retain heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This simple step significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
How to Make Gravy
To make delicious gravy from your Perdue roaster, pour the pan juices into a saucepan, skimming off excess fat. Add a tablespoon of flour to the juices and whisk continuously over medium heat to create a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade gravy complements the roasted chicken perfectly, adding rich flavor to your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Perdue whole roaster with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions for a complete meal. Pair with seasonal sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing for added flavor and variety.
Pairing with Vegetables
Pair your Perdue whole roaster with a variety of roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and red potatoes complement the chicken beautifully. Toss vegetables in olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme, and roast alongside the chicken. This creates a flavorful, well-rounded dish. For added convenience, place vegetables directly in the roasting pan with the chicken, ensuring everything cooks evenly. The result is a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Side Dish Recommendations
Enhance your Perdue whole roaster meal with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy stuffing, or a fresh green salad. Garlic butter asparagus or roasted sweet potatoes add a delicious contrast. For a comforting option, try homemade gravy over egg noodles. These sides complement the rich flavors of the chicken, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience. Choose one or more to accompany your roast for a memorable family dinner.
