Roast Chickens and Sausages for a Crowd

Ingredients for Roast Chickens and Sausages for a Crowd

• 80g kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• 10 sprigs rosemary, divided

• 1 orange, halved

• 2 (3 1/2–4-pound) chickens

• 1 large apple, quartered

• 1 large onion, unpeeled, quartered

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 900g sausages (such as andouille) or tasso

• 6 large shallots, unpeeled, halved

How to make Roast Chickens and Sausages for a Crowd

Bring salt, pepper, bay leaves, 4 rosemary sprigs, and 2400ml water to a boil in a large pot. Squeeze juice from orange halves into pot, add orange halves, and stir to combine. Let brine cool.

Place each chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and divide brine between bags; seal. Chill chickens 12–24 hours.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Remove chickens from brine and pat dry; discard brine. Scatter remaining 6 rosemary sprigs in a large roasting pan. Place chickens on top of rosemary sprigs and divide apple and onion between cavities of each bird. Brush chickens with melted butter and arrange sausages and shallots around each chicken.

Pour 120ml water into pan and roast chickens, turning occasionally so they brown evenly, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 74°C, 50–60 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes.

Carve chickens and slice sausages; transfer to a platter. Arrange shallots alongside, then pour any pan juices over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.