8 pound roast chicken will feed how many?

Also, if i need to cook two of them do i vary the time? I have whole orange, onion, garlic and lemon and some rosemary and thyme, salt and pepper. Do i put anything under the skin? This is my first chicken attempt LOL

Re: 8 pound roast chicken will feed how many?

That's a BIG bird!!

It's honestly a tricky question because it depends on how hearty your eaters are, how many will ONLY eat white meat, etc... Plus - how heavy/enticing are the sides. Sometimes people fill up on the sides and practically ignore hte meat!

I think conventional wisdom would say an 8lb bird would do for about 8-10 people.. but I always overcook. Especially something like Roast chicken where the leftovers are sooo easy to re-purpose.. so I'd say 6-7 Max for 1 chicken. I usually do little chickens when I'm having company and figure half a chicken each!

I am guessing you are using the orange, lemon, onion and garlic in the cavity. I'd do a few sprigs of the rosemary and garlic in there too. I'd grind some rosemary, garlic and thyme with a little olive oil, lemon zest and orange zest (plus salt and pepper) and rub that over the skin and under the skin. I like to repeat flavors. I also put a few pats of butter under the skin.. because I'm crazy like that.

Good Luck!

Re: 8 pound roast chicken will feed how many?

I actually wound up making two 8 pound chicken and used your recipe with the onions and carrots orange on the bottom..i rubbed olive oil and rosemary on the bird and cooked them for like 2 hours 20 minutes..when there was 40 minutes to go i put on Paprika and melted butter just like you do! It was so AWESOME i had everyone raving and there was only 1/2 bird left..I had a bunch of piggys over. I also roasted Brussel sprouts, baby carrots, broccoli and red potatoes with olive oil, garlic and Italian seasonings. That came out awesome and I also made Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits so YUMMY!! Thank you so much Jeannie!!!

Message edited 10/24/2011 10:59:48 AM.

Re: 8 pound roast chicken will feed how many?

I'm so glad it turned out great and that you had a successful dinner!! I love when I have parties and everyone eats up the food!!