Pot roast chicken

Had a group of friends from college days around yesterday. This simple one pot dish of a couple of medium sized chickens (about 1.5kg each) and seasonal veg cooked slowly allows for late arrivals or lengthy chat.

1 to 2 chickens, weighing 3kg in total
2 onions sliced
3 large carrots sliced
3 sticks celery roughly chopped
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs of thyme
2 glasses of white wine
2 glasses of water
salt and pepper

In a casserole dish with tightly fitting lid which will fit the chicken(s) comfortably, spread the vegetables in a layer on the base. Put chicken(s) on top and tuck herbs around them. Pour over wine and water. Season well with salt and pepper. Put on lid and then cook in 190C oven for 20 minutes. Reduce oven to 140C and cook for a 50 minutes then remove lid and cook for another 15 minutes to brown the breast. Check chicken is cooked (juices run clear when leg is pierced). Serve roughly carved surrounded by veg and cooking juices.

Vary vegetables in the pot depending on season.
Yesterday I served this with courgette and peas from the garden and new potatoes.

Menu for w/c 26th July
M Roast Pork (don't ask! I know it's very muggy at the moment)
T Ham and chicken pie This recipe but with puff pastry
W Sweet and Sour pork and stir fry vegetables
Th Turkey schnitzel with 'proper' potato salad