Simple roast chicken recipe that's perfect for Christmas. This festive roast chicken idea is an easy alternative to turkey at Christmas and the Cherry Sauce tops everything off perfectly.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes, until soft. Add bacon and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Cool slightly. Add breadcrumbs and sage. Season with salt and pepper. Mix to combine the stuffing
Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan forced. Fill chicken cavity with stuffing and secure with toothpicks. Tie drumsticks together with kitchen string. Rub 2 tablespoons of the jam over the skin. Place chicken in a large baking dish. Drizzle with oil and cover loosely with foil. Roast in oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Remove foil and brush with remaining jam. Bake for a further 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (juices run clear when tested with a skewer). Transfer chicken to a heatproof plate to rest for 5 minutes
While chicken is resting, strain cooking juices into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add canned cherries and ¼ cup water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced slightly
