Classic Roast Chicken Ultimate Guide | Jacques Pépin Cooking at Home | KQED

Jacques Pépin shares a gloriously simple but detailed recipe for classic roast chicken. He includes techniques for how to remove the wishbone like a pro, how to truss a chicken with twine to keep its shape, how to make sure a chicken is evenly roasted, and a great way to baste it using only its own juices, butter, potato starch, and chicken stock.
Once the chicken is roasted, Jacques teaches us how to carve and present the dish with a side of fresh watercress. Elegant and delicious, this roast chicken recipe is a classic for a reason.
What you'll need:
3 1/2 lb Chicken, 1 tbsp butter, salt and pepper, 1/2 cup chicken stock, dash of soy sauce (for color), 1 tsp potato starch, watercress
Jacques Pépin Cooking At Home: Classic Roast Chicken
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About Jacques Pépin Cooking At Home:
Jacques Pépin Cooking At Home features short recipe videos that transform readily-available ingredients into exciting new dishes, perfect for newly-anointed home cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Presented by the Jacques Pépin Foundation, an organization dedicated to enriching lives and strengthening communities through the power of culinary education. jp.foundation/​​​
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[@michaelfulton3059]

"If Jacques Pepin says this is how you roast a chicken, then that's how you roast a motherf***ing chicken." - Anthony Bourdain.

[@kqed]

Truth!

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

You are aware, of course, that foul language, cursing, pottie mouth and/or profanity are in violation of the YT Community Guidelines, correct?

[@michaelfulton3059]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 calm down

[@spindlecitysister]

💯👏🏻😁

[@jody024]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 Not when it's a quote from a legend.

[@tropik5724]

This young man will have a great future ahead of him as a Chef.

[@mooman12]

Current day celebrity chefs don't come close to Chef Pepin, no need for drama, foul language etc. Just skill, passion and a love of good food. A treasure indeed.

[@hawkeye9793]

Agree. American Chefs could learn by his example - when you're a maestro there's no need to scream

[@mydraftable6526]

Jean Pierre

[@brian752]

Many 'chefs' who are on television today are more worried about their image, showmanship and ratings than correct cooking methods. Jacques is a professional chef who takes pride in food preparation. As far as concerns for the cameras are concerned - eh.

[@TanukiSC]

The man is an absolute treasure. An incredible teacher and his knowledge is so deep. Never get tired of watching him cook and learning something every time

[@scotth5893]

Yep! Here I thought I perfected my technique for roast chicken after 30 years of study. Gonna try it this way this weekend.

[@ratniebenezer2721]

I love it! I am hungry for roast chicken now!

[@nicolamobilio-yn1sv]

same

[@chriswheeler93]

That trick of the extra couple of loops when tightening the twine is a game changer for me haha

[@jerryoshea3116]

@@scotth5893 One thing I was a little unsure about?..Did he use the Oven as well or was it just cooked on the stove?(Because that Colour was something else!)

[@michaelscheltema2101]

I just tried this method of roasting and making a simple sauce. I'm blown away. I've been over complicating roast chicken so much! Thanks Jacques! 👏

[@kqed]

Wonderful! Happy cooking.

[@andrewewan624]

He makes all these so-called KZbin / TV / personalities ... look like apprentices.. REAL COOKING

[@Belgand]

Some people try to make things novel and different, thinking that otherwise it's boring and outdated. A true master seeks to perfect the simplest version.

[@SeaDanceDream]

I literally learned to cook from Jacque on Saturday mornings after the cartoons ended. His "Cooking with Claudine" series was my favorite. I still remember how he lovingly taught her to keep her fingers curled under while using a knife so she didn't cut herself. That and "Yan Can Cook," were my saving grace as a little kid. Thanks to everyone who does this sort of thing. Y'all make the world a more beautiful place. Thanks KQED for posting. This is one I haven't tried yet, but it is surely on the list.

[@NigelTufnel612]

I remember that show; I was astonished by her total lack of culinary instinct or talent....

[@SeaDanceDream]

@@NigelTufnel612 😂He was so patient with her.

[@kqed]

This is such a nice memory. Thank you for sharing.

[@SeaDanceDream]

@@kqed 💖

[@behringerm]

` @KQED PLEASE post a “Cooking with Claudine” series. You can start with the earliest videos and show how she had evolved in her cooking and showmanship

[@DesEsseints]

This guy is 88 years old and still he's sharp and a beacon for everybody in his trade! A true Master (with capital "M")

[@mayonnaiseeee]

This is of the most beautiful roast chickens I've seen...I watch lots of cooking videos and then Jacques always shows a unique way that makes so much more sense, is simpler, and results in a much better end result. So much knowledge and experience goes into his cooking, in this case the little tips like trussing and rotating without the use of any special roasting pan. Too good.

[@yourgirlrae]

Amen.

[@eclipsez0r]

Try it you'll have burned butter and bad chicken

[@josephmarciano2584]

Forgive me if it's already happened, but J.P. deserves a visit to the Oval Office and a medal for teaching Americans to cook simply, and feed their families well. A Croix de Guerre for a Chef who has fought the "Good Fight."

[@PsulOrtiz]

Sorry, but the Oval Office is not in France. And the Croix de Guerre is not an American medal. Seems you have mixed things that are not possible to mix! France would simply not reward someone for their work in the States, esp if it did not elevate the life or culture in France! Besides which, the Croix de Guerre is actually a war medal not an arts, teaching or culinary award! (Of which there are many! But the War Cross (Croix de Guerre) is not awarded for cooking, teaching or television development! It simply isn't!) Perhaps you were thinking of the Legion of Honour medal which is Frances' highest decoration given to citizens in all types of fields for their superior, superior achievements! It is presented on behalf of the French head of state! And is one of the most famous awards in the world!

[@PsulOrtiz]

PS. The War Cross is awarded for real war activities, not for someone's long career in the kitchen! The French place great honour and respect with their medals and decorations for meritorious service and achievements. NOT for merely trying hard or never taking a sick day! Showing up at the office simply does not compare to the very real horrors found in warfare! How bizzare to equate those two things! Your comment was inappropriate and flip! Mr Pépin would certainly run from your suggestion and silly characterization of his career! That is for certain!

[@josephmarciano2584]

@@PsulOrtizThe "Medal" was said in very obvious jest. Yes . . .I, and millions know that the Croix de Guerre is a FRENCH medal for gallantry in action. Can you spell "Clueless Pedant"?

[@patcola7335]

Discover this guy back in the 90s when I used to watch all the PBS cooking shows. Him and Julia were a hoot together. Excellent Chef is an understatement for this man .

[@hwoods01]

Imagine being very gifted at your job and noones cares until many decades go by and technology brings a whole new platform and you are heralded a hero. I will not see the day, but I am thankful that many others were saved

[@Sanderly1820]

This is the reason i am a chef of 30 yrs experience, the first cookery tv show i ever watched as a child. Thankyou

[@aaront1381]

I watched him when I was a young lad. Still love to see him cooking now!

[@paulwagner688]

Such easiness. That has always been the hallmark of his cooking. How can the master teach the student to improve? You don't even need a written recipe to make his dishes. AND, the best part? Many many times, Chef says "Make it the way you're taught first. Then you can make it your own to YOUR taste". He TRUSTS us to experiment with flavor.

[@Linzo24]

After a long week - I love spending Friday nights watching Jacques' videos - no matter how old they are... there's something so soothing watching and listening to him. I'm reminded of my grandparents who taught me how to cook and listening to their stories of growing up in the 1920s; or them telling me about their parents who were born in Italy - and how they learned to cook from their parents. Jacques is just delightful.

[@kqed]

Thanks for watching❤

[@lusenluck1930]

Never seen a chef presentation a simple roasted chicken with a very detailed technique like this, he is amazing chef

[@philbertuglia2203]

Afterall..,he is the Master Chef......marvelous Jacques !! Bon Appetit......HAPPY COOKING!!!!!

[@lusenluck1930]

@@philbertuglia2203 thank you!

[@zed11634]

An absolute grandmaster of his own class. It's already a pleasure to watch him at work.

[@hashimmahamerul8857]

This guy is National Treasure, protect him at all cost

[@majoroldladyakamom6948]

Sorry to disagree, but Jacques Pepin is a Global Treasure. 👏

[@hashimmahamerul8857]

@@majoroldladyakamom6948 they both same words.

[@kqed]

💯

[@joannaedwards6325]

​@@majoroldladyakamom6948 Want to save energy at your age? Quit correcting people. 1. Nobody cares and 2. You're wasting your time I'm happier now that I have RETIRED from being the Grammar Police, the Mask Police, the Bus Etiquette Monitor and the Litter Patrol. Saving my energy. You might like to retire from being the You Tube Police. You'll be more relaxed and folks won't hate you. 😊

[@Keniv.]

@@joannaedwards6325I so agree with you, and I have to say "Amen" to your comment! I am so tired of, superior thinking people, telling others what they said or did wrong! I am retired also.

[@thumper823]

Best roasted chicken I've ever roasted...wife said so!! Just have to get that carving technique on the wings down better.

[@christinecleavest9099]

That there is a thing of beauty! Running out to the store shortly to buy a chicken, so I can do this.😊🍷

[@GeorgeMorgan6600]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@marydestefano9487]

That chicken is beautiful raw. That's high quality.

[@sonyavincent7450]

I thought so as well. It looks organic and expensive.

[@jonwoll6586]

i want to give him a big hug! you have taught me so much. you will live forever!

[@kqed]

❤

[@justmason7672]

I made this chicken for dinner and everyone loved it. Taking out the wishbone was clever.

[@fellspoint9364]

JP , still kicking it out in his eighties ! That’s astonishing and inspirational at once. This man has elevated the pedestrian to the sublime.

[@benjaminstarks4071]

Jacques and Julia. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you.

[@melstero]

Jacques Pepin is always the best!

[@robinsimpson7301]

You're like watching Bob Ross both effortlessly creating works of art

[@billy4072]

That deconstruction..and the re assembly.. brilliant. The trussing .. sans knots ..just friction, brilliant.. I need to get out more 😂 Thanks for the ideas, and knowledge 🙏

[@NigelTufnel612]

There was a knot used - he merely triple-tied the first loop which caused the necessary friction to complete the knot without a finger to hold it.

[@dededenver9560]

It's called a surgeons knot.

[@spanishmackeral]

Asbestos hands...the man has asbestos hands. Cant even feel the heat...hes amazing. So effortless

[@joannaedwards6325]

And he puts boiling hot food in his mouth also. Ooouch!

[@isay207]

I hope he cleaned the pepper grinder

[@ZackMorris1]

He's just a master. How effortlessly he made that all seem. It's like watching Picasso paint. Absolutely amazing.

[@lukejposadas]

Wow the way he carved that chicken was expert status!

[@dean828]

Jacques Pépin - un maître suprême des arts culinaires.

[@bryan3550]

Absolutely.

[@rochellezimmerbishop4681]

This speaks to my soul. I've watched others make roast chicken and they are well made, but no one so deftly handles the bird, the butter, the sauce, the carving and the presentation with such surety and expertise as Jaques. He turns out a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance from his knowledge and experience. A beautiful mind.

[@robertworden8559]

God has spoken to me, and I shall never forget his lesson. Bless you Jacques!

[@VideoStyler09]

Jacques is a human Golden Retriever

[@flarica64]

😂He is adorable.🥰

[@katarinaabramovich8735]

I LOVE Jacque, omg he is such a gem! Where have you been all my life? 💜

[@GeorgeMorgan6600]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@BrunoAlbouze]

Magnificent 🤩

[@bethelle9099]

You taught me a new way, Jacques!!!! You are a treasure!!!! American, French or otherwise!!!!!! Thank you!!!! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@joannaedwards6325]

Why aren't we sleeping? I adore spending time with this wonderful man ❤

[@bethelle9099]

@@joannaedwards6325 , Hahahahahaha!!!!!! Yeah, my sleep is messed up! Also having an endless desire for information! Both my parents were French. Maybe he makes me feel like I am at home. I also love to learn, cook and eat! KZbin is an endless hub of news and info. My brain hates to let go! I used to watch Jacques when he started his show way back when. My, times have changed! My dad just died a few months ago. I miss him dearly... I took car of him. He made it to 96, though! Very tough Frenchman! Have a great day! Beth

[@ricksrealpitbbq]

Of all the recipes I know, I thought I knew how to roast a whole chicken. Wow Jacques , I will be doing it the right way from now on. It’s perfect 👍

[@CherieulaJ]

Dear Chef Pépin, You are still a master at what you do.💗❤️💗👏🏽🤗 It's so good to see you haven't forgotten a thing! 🍗🐓🐔

[@catchandrelease6196]

Jacques - I have been watching you for 30+ years and you still amaze me just cooking the simple things like this roasted yard bird. You da best!

[@pcimprezzive]

A master at work! I learn something every time I watch Jacque cook. Thank you sir!

[@tommyt1971]

The way he put the chicken back together was absolute artistry. I gotta try this one. A coworker recently gave me a great NY Times recipe for a whole roasted chicken using a brine made with buttermilk - the chicken gets brined for 24 hours and you roast it in a skillet (I used my cast iron). The chicken comes out absolutely succulent!

[@RATKINGPLUG]

How much buttermilk:salt did you use

[@tommyt1971]

@@RATKINGPLUG 2 cups b/milk, 1 cup salt, preferably kosher. I think it can be reduced to about 3/4 or 1/2 C but adjustments are perfectly fine. The recipe also says to place the skillet in the back corner of your oven where it's hottest and switch it to the opposite back corner every 20 mins or so, giving the thing a quarter turn. Let me look at the recipe I printed and get the finer details posted.

[@guguigugu]

i feel its a little bizzare, macabre even, definitely should stay in the past

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

WOW!! Roasted chicken elevated to ART!

[@piman0001]

whenever I have a tough day, Jacques is always there to show me something I didn't know I needed

[@lesliew3343]

So beautiful! Thank you, Jacques. Love to watch you cook. 💕

[@MariaLacsamana-ik3in]

We love roasted chicken I'm sure yours is more delicious & the gravy sauce too thanks chef love your channel

[@kqed]

Thanks for watching!

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

This guy is a treasure in the kitchen. I love watching Jacques Pépin.I love watching people cook..

[@frednurk8590]

Thanks so much, Chef. A literal work of art.

[@alelira054]

These videos are gems. Thank you for keeping to share your knowledge with us Jacques ❤

[@scotthead8249]

It's just so freaking beautiful how he does everything.

[@purleybaker]

It is wonderful watching Jacques cook. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@jamesewanchook2276]

that's the way to do it!. just great, thanks from Vancouver!

[@maryhanisch9979]

Thank you! I can’t wait to try this, step by step.

[@veutsavoir]

Another master class in classic cooking. Merci, Chef Pepin!

[@Forevertrue]

This man is a treasure. Thank You Jacques.

[@yellowstone7459]

Excellent! Very clear instructions and wow! The result!

[@valerielyda6414]

Always my favorite chef as your polite instructing is as superlative as your demonstrated recipes. My mouth literally waters whenever episode is at halfway point. Thank you for showing proper trussing and carving so that presentation is beautiful.

[@paolaboni1742]

I love him and his kitchen!!! chockfull of plates, pots and books, that is what he likes to be surrounded by, awesome

[@vadimoleinik8422]

Thank You for lesson, Mr. Pepin. Pleasure to watch.

[@stevenarmstrong6617]

Thank you Jacques!

[@helenannleeshung9028]

Oh this is perfection !❤👏🏾👌🏽💯

[@timothyszabo7236]

Thanks Jacques Pepin for the Classic Roast Chicken!!! I really love it!!!

[@karenwoodruff3533]

Could watch how this man cooks and absorb his culinary knowledge all day long!!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheEnnisfan]

The Master makes it look so easy. Merci, Monsieur Pepin.

[@oleandergarden]

A breeze... as the Chef does it. I can savor the taste and aroma just watching. Thanks

[@Celler2]

This man’s skills are on the next level. Always trusted his opinion every time I am researching a dish.

[@suzannebranscomb1711]

My favorite French Chef! The fabulous Jacques Pepin ♥️

[@kqed]

❤️

[@CalebOberst]

So simple. So elegant. Table-side carving is ready for a comeback.

[@TWOCOWS1]

Love you, Mr. Pepin. You are a national treasure

[@je187u]

This man is one of the reasons I became a chef . All the best Pepin😊

[@robertholtz]

Outstanding. Total perfection.

[@markspc1]

Excellente recette, monsieur Pépin. Miam miam ! Thank you.

[@flormarthas.ferreira2984]

Oh! Your classes are so good! Thanks for sharing. You are the best!

[@SacredSecret]

This will add to my skills for roasting and presentations. Been watching Jacques for many years and loved all his shows. 👍

[@andymoody8363]

Simple, precise and perfect. That's classic French culinary training right there. Absolute maestro.

[@landline00]

Awesome! 😮This is the most informative cooking video I've ever viewed. Thank you sir!

[@user-co7fj4ib1j]

I love this man! Long live Jacques Pepin!

[@haroldbryant3105]

Number one chef. So simple.

[@sarahdrousseau]

Beautiful and brilliant, as usual ❤. Thank you

[@missvegan1967]

Simple. Beautiful.❤

[@bonnadowns524]

So Beautiful and well presentation👍🤩Thanks you Master Chef Jacques 🙏

[@taowright]

He is such a pleasure to watch. Roasted chicken or turkey can't be beat.

[@Sandra-cm1du]

A brilliant chef! Great recipe for "rustic" roast chicken!

[@michaelandrew4812]

What a legend he has so much knowledge and technique

[@mohkamaltaha]

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication...!!!

[@annemariekidder2315]

I swear by Chef Pepin’s recipes. They are solid, simple, and flavorful. Many times I wonder why no one else has thought of it before. That’s the genius of Chef Pepin. Thank you for your wisdom , common sense, and intelligence and the humble delivery of your presentation. Lov❤

[@chobone]

What an absolute incredible masterclass. Thank you Chef Pépin!

[@qabilgames9100]

What a video!!!, what a MAN!!! What a recipe!!! What an accent!!! Totally love it.

[@bryan3550]

Ridiculously Good! I've now done this recipe several times without a problem and will NEVER stray from this brilliant method in the future. I've followed Chef Jacques for decades, having found his Bibles "La Methode" and La Technique in the 1970's. "Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pepin" has always been on my bookshelf too. Enough Said. 🙏

[@prjctcivilian]

You didn't have any issues having butter in your oven at that heat, i watched this and worried it would burn

[@bryan3550]

​​@@prjctcivilianNo, not at all! Yes the butter sort of burns, but it adds more than it detracts. "Burnt Butter Sauce" is a thing in itself.

[@danf4447]

so elegent and simple not a wasted movement or step!!

[@timothyszabo7236]

Classic Roast Chicken of the gods!!! That looks good!!!

[@charlessmithjr.9384]

I'm trying this! That chicken is roasted perfectly!

[@brettlaby4578]

Jacques makes the carving look so simple. I almost have it down. Love ya buddy, thank you for all the sharing you have done over the years.

[@Jimgearhart3]

I watch this in AWE! So simple, so perfect and delicious. A magnificent chef! Love, love, love it. Thank you, Chef!

[@JIM-fj2dy]

Simply Awesome. God Bless you. I have watched you for years and learned so much. Thank You

[@silawsilaw1993]

Le savoir des anciens est incomparable ! 👏

[@arcticgummibear4500]

Fantastic. I learned something new and I really appreciate it Jacques.

[@Abasha2003]

I love how simple this is...