Romertopf Roast Chicken or Clay Pot Chicken
What’s the secret to chicken that’s moist and bursting with flavor? A Romertopf Clay Roaster! Packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and a hearty dose of love, our chicken will leave you craving for more. This Romertopf clay roaster chicken is seasoned with fresh herbs in butter and veggies such as onion and celery. If you are looking for a new twist on a classic dish? Look no further! This Clay Pot Chicken recipe will have your taste buds dancing.
Remember when Bree on “Desperate Housewives” was horrified when someone maliciously told her that her chicken was dry. That was so funny but it’s not if it occurs in your home. You work hard to put a great dinner on the table and you want sure-fire methods to make it the best.
Ever experienced the disappointment of dry chicken? We have brined and marinated whole chickens, we have injected liquid into them, we have rubbed butter under the skins and then sometimes we just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. We knew there had to be a better way.
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And there is! Introducing our Romertopf clay roaster chicken recipe! The herbs, veggies and our special cooking method guarantees a moist, well-seasoned chicken with a crispy browned skin every time. Say goodby to dry chicken and welcome the era of succulence! A Clay roaster chicken in a Romertopf Roaster is always moist and delish. Discover why using a Romertopf roaster will change your roasting game and give you the best result. Get ready, your dinner experiences will never be the same!
I purchased this Romertopf clay cooker years ago but the only problem we forget we have it for months and months. We bought it when we were on vacation and stumbled upon an old shop, a store in Texas which was called “Mercantile”, a kind of general store from days gone by. I knew my mother had a Romertopf clay baker but had never seen one for sale. Of course, that was before Amazon, where you can find anything. We purchased it and then began to research how to use it. Again this was before the internet so it was actually going to the library and search.
Tips for Cooking in a Clay Pot or Romertopf Roaster
We have researched so many recipes on the best way to roast chicken and moist roasted chicken techniques and we have discovered a few tricks that will rock your baked chicken or roasted chicken.
And this is what we learned, Romertopf pots are like a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, everything just tastes better cooked in a Romertopf pot. The flavors just mingle better or something scientific like that. The only thing we needed to research now were Romertopf baker recipes especially a Romertopf chicken recipe.
My clay pot over time has acquired a color change which indicates the character of the pot. We also have an amazing Stoneware Roaster that produces very moist Roast Chicken. It’s a little easier to use since you do not have to soak it prior to use.
How to use a Romertopf Roaster
Romertopf clay cooker
- Clay pots have to be submerged in water for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour before placing them in the oven. And NEVER NEVER use a preheated oven, always place the pot in a COLD oven and then set the temperature.
Romertopf Roast Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 5 pound whole chicken
- one celery rib, cut into 2-3 pieces
- ½ large red onion, cut into half
- ½ lemon, cut into two
- 4 Tablespoons Butter, room temperature
- Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
- Sprigs of Fresh Parsley
- Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine
- ½ cup chicken broth
Equipment Needed:
🥣 Recipe Tips
- Soak the Romertopf properly: Fully submerge the clay pot (both base and lid) in water for at least 20 minutes—ideally up to 1 hour—before use. This creates steam during baking, locking in moisture for a juicy chicken without drying out, and prevents the pot from cracking.
- Prepare herb butter for maximum flavor: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley, then gently spread it under the chicken’s breast and drumstick skin without tearing it. This infuses the meat with rich, herbaceous taste while keeping it tender and preventing dryness.
- Start in a cold oven: Always place the filled Romertopf in a cold oven before setting it to 400°F—never preheat, as this could cause thermal shock and damage the pot. Bake covered for 2 hours, then uncover for 10-15 minutes to achieve golden, crispy skin while ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to cook a clay roaster chicken in a Romertopf roaster:
Baking a chicken in the oven or roasting the chicken in the oven can sometimes dry out a chicken but with a few tips, the right seasons and the perfect roaster, the chicken can be moist and delicious each and every time. A Romertopf roast chicken is very moist but the seasonings are the king.
Note: Make a herb butter with thyme, rosemary, and parsley and rub the outside of the skin well. Also, lift the skin and place some of the herb butter between the skin and the meat.
Instructions for a moist clay pot roast chicken:
- If using Romertopf clay pot soak for at least 20 minutes, I usually soak it longer, about 1 hour.
- Only if using a regular roaster pan Preheat oven to 400 degrees. (Remember always place a Romertopf roaster in a cold oven then bring to temperature.)
- Using a fork mix the butter with one minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of each of the herbs that you choose to use. ( I used all three) to make herb butter.
- Wash chicken and dry thoroughly.
- Gently ease up the breast skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter between the skin and the meat of the breast being careful not to pierce the skin. Also gently lift the skin of the drumsticks and spread butter under them.
- Place the lemon, celery, and onion in the chicken and any herbs that you choose.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Tie legs together with kitchen twine
- Place chicken in roaster and pour the wine and chicken broth over the chicken. Cover with lid.
- If using a clay pot Romertopf roaster place in a cold oven and set the oven temperature to 400° F . Bake for 2 hours covered until done.
You can’t go wrong with a Romertopf chicken baked in a Romertopf cooker with the right seasonings. Our Romertopf roaster chicken is moist, well seasoned and has a crispy browned skin. Try this mouthwatering Clay Pot Chicken recipe! Perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
How to Clean a Romertopf Clay Roaster
Proper cleaning of your Romertopf clay roaster ensures its longevity and maintains its ability to cook moist, flavorful dishes like the Romertopf Roast Chicken. Follow these steps to clean it effectively while preserving its porous clay surface.
Cleaning Instructions:
- Cool Completely: Allow the Romertopf to cool to room temperature after use. Never expose a hot clay pot to cold water, as thermal shock can cause cracking.
- Scrape Off Residue: Use a soft spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape off any stuck-on food or grease from the interior of the pot and lid. Avoid metal utensils to prevent scratching the clay surface.
- Soak in Warm Water: Fill the pot with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen any remaining food particles. For stubborn residue, soak longer, up to 30 minutes.
- Clean with a Soft Sponge: Use a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush to gently scrub the interior and exterior of the pot and lid. Avoid harsh scrubbers like steel wool, as they can damage the clay’s porous texture.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the pot and lid thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue, as soap can seep into the clay and affect the flavor of future dishes.
- Dry Completely: Air-dry the Romertopf upside down on a clean towel or dish rack, ensuring it’s completely dry before storing to prevent mold or mildew. Alternatively, place it in a low-temperature oven (200°F) for 15-20 minutes to dry thoroughly.
- Address Stains or Odors: For stains or lingering odors, fill the pot with warm water and add 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. Let it soak for an hour, then scrub gently and rinse well. This helps remove discoloration or absorbed smells without damaging the clay.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid Dishwashers: Never clean a Romertopf in a dishwasher, as the harsh detergents and high heat can damage the clay and reduce its effectiveness.
- Store Properly: Store the clean, dry Romertopf with the lid off or slightly ajar in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup.
- Seasoning Over Time: The clay pot may darken with use, which is normal and enhances its character and cooking performance—avoid aggressive cleaning to preserve this patina.
By following these steps, your Romertopf clay roaster will remain in excellent condition, ready to deliver delicious, moist dishes like the Romertopf Roast Chicken.
In conclusion, cooking with clay pots is not only a delicious and traditional method, but it also offers numerous health benefits and enhances the flavor of your dish. By following these simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering clay pot chicken dish that will impress your friends and family. So, why not show your love through a flavorful and healthy meal? Give clay pot cooking a try and experience the rich and tender flavors it has to offer. Don’t forget to share your experience with us and continue the discussion on the amazing world of clay pot cooking. Happy cooking!
Other Chicken Recipes:
🥣 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 5 lb whole chicken
- 1 rib celery cut into 2-3 pieces
- 1/2 large red onion cut into half
- 1/2 lemon cut in two
- 4 tbsp butter room temperature
- sprigs fresh thyme
- sprigs fresh parsley
- sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- If using Romertopf clay pot soak for at least 20 minutes, I usually soak it longer, about 1 hour.
- Only if using a regular roaster pan Preheat oven to 400 degrees. (Remember always place a Romertopf roaster in a cold oven then bring to temperature.)
- Using a fork mix the butter with one minced garlic clove and 1 tablespoon of each of the herbs that you choose to use. ( I used all three) to make herb butter.
- Wash chicken and dry thoroughly.
- Gently ease up the breast skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter between the skin and the meat of the breast being careful not to pierce the skin. Also gently lift the skin of the drumsticks and spread butter under them.
- Place the lemon, celery, and onion in the chicken and any herbs that you choose.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Tie legs together with kitchen twine
- Place chicken in roaster and pour the wine and chicken broth over the chicken. Cover with lid.
- (A) If using a clay pot Romertopf roaster place in a cold oven and set the oven temperature to 400° F . Bake for 2 hours covered until done.(B) If using regular Stoneware roaster bake for 65-70 minutes
- 11. Remove the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes longer until chicken is golden brown and thermometer registers 165° F and juices run clear.
Nutrition
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This looks delicious! My parents have one of those pots and use it all the time. I've been looking for one second hand, but haven't found one yet.
Wow! This recipe looks really amazing!
Thanks for sharing this
This looks so good. I love a good whole chicken recipe!
Thank you for hosting Sunday Round Up. Great party!
I so have always wanted to buy a clay pot, have had the opportunities but didn't? I love cooking a whole chicken, and your recipe sounds so good. I also love rosemary and chicken together!
I need to do my research for locations to purchase these wonderful clay pots and post it for everyone. Yes, rosemary is my favorite herb with chicken. Thank you for hosting Sunday's Best Par-tay!
Your recipe is great.
OMG It looks delicious!
This is a wonderful recipe! I've never made anything in a clay pot and this is looks deishhh!
This looks delicious I wish I had one of those pots to try out the recipe.
Thanks ever so much for the follow. I enjoyed visiting you and following you also.
This looks and is awesome!
I love your blog, great recipes for two (which I need to learn to cook for). Looking forward to following you.
I nearly bought a clay pot on a garage sale one time but did not know what to do with it! The next time I will pick it up and try this recipe:)
That always happens to me, when I pass something up then I have a need for it:) Thanks for the visit.
I have always wanted to try cooking in a clay pot. I need to keep my eye out for one on sale
Thank you for having a great Mealtime Monday party each week. You will not regret buying a clay pot.
Well that looks truly yummy xox
That looks absolutely wonderful! It's making me hungry just reading it!
Thank you! Yes, I get hungry all over again looking at it also.
I love your clay pot! I have always wanted one. I can only imagine the scent of this dish cooking away.
Wow! That looks amazing.
Thanks Diane, congrats on your blog hop and looking forward to linking up each week.
That looks wonderful! I'm hungry just looking at it without the scratch and sniff added!
Yes, it was so delicious! My son and hubby just loved it.
Never cooked with a clay pot, but the whole meal looks delicious!
These clay pots can be purchased in several different sizes and are so fun. Thank you for having an amazing party.
how interesting! I have never seen this or heard about it….the chicken looks delicious!
Oh wow. That made my mouth water. Have a great day
I love my clay pots! But, for whatever reason, I have been forgetting to use them. I'm doing a lot of crock pot stuff, I guess. Thanks for the reminder and this delish looking recipe
Me Too! Your Welcome and thanks ever so much for the visit.
I don't own a clay pot.. but will definitely look into it! 🙂
Thanks for sharing
I have two of those and love using them! In Germany (where I'm from and where I bought them) they are called "Roemertopf" and are very popular.
I think I'm drooling. 😀 Can you come cook for us? 😀 Thanks
This was so amazing!!
This looks great! You have now started the clay pot cooking trend!
OH YUM! That looks so tasty! We don't have a clay pot – but had a chicken roasted on our BBQ with veggies like this at the weekend! Yuumm!!
I wish we had smell-o-coumputers too, because this looks like it was fantastic!! I have never cooked in a clay pot, I think I'll keep an eye out for one. Thanks for sharing with us
I need to get me a clay pot… putting that on the list..
I know I got one of those pots for my wedding years ago. I'll have to drag it out and try this! Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing
This is inspiring!!
That was amazing! Love these pots
Thanks
That looks amazing.. I have a small clay pot that I brought home from africa but it is used more to carry water.
Yum! This was delicious! Thanks so much for sharing.
This looks delicious. I just saw this at Wallisfarm's link party.
I will definitely be on the lookout for one of these clay pots! I love chicken 'roasted' with veggies 🙂 Thank you for also sharing this on Tasty Thursday
Saw these on Amazon for sale in UK at about £22 . thnx for the recipe will surely try
Wow. It’s a great recipe. I love a good whole chicken recipe. Thanks for sharing.
I received one as a gift in 1980 and still use mine. Last night we had a pot roast and tonight I will roast a whole chicken in it. It is a great investment since they last for many years. I still have my grandmothers cast iron pan and it’s my favorite. I have a nice stainless steel set but prefer the cast iron.
I’ve had a Römertopf clay roaster for years. It was a gift from my parents. I have to tell you, I’ve never had a bad chicken come out of that roaster EVER. The instructions that came with mine were to soak the lid for 20 minutes, this provides the steam which keeps your chicken so moist and juicy. The first time I used it, I was totally amazed at all the liquid in the bottom of the roaster which was immediately used for a beautiful gravy. You may want to remove the lid and brown your chicken before serving. I’ve also made beautiful pork roasts and I’m not a fan of pork but it was delicious. And as Evelyn mentioned, do NOT preheat your oven. Place the roaster into a cold oven and forget all the rules you’ve ever learned about, well, using your oven. Don’t risk cracking your beautiful roaster, it’s not worth it. I just ordered 2 roasters, one for my son and daughter-in-law and my sister. They deserve beautiful roasted meals too!
I have made this tasty chicken dish several times following you yummy recipe! (I bought my clay pot in a thrift store for $5.00 ) last year and is the find of a lifetime!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this recipe and your many others.
Yvonne
awe, thank you so much for your kind words. It makes my heart happy that you are enjoying this chicken recipe. Wow, score on the $5 clay pot roaster! That was indeed a lucky find! Hugs Evelyn
Beautifully moist chicken resulted from baking my whole chicken in the clay pot!!
Made it tonight. Just as described. I did add fresh turnip and rutabaga to the pot. Delish! Moist so juicy and tender!
Awe, thanks so much, I am so glad you enjoyed it. I have never tried rutabagas but I did plant some this year so we can try them. I’ll have to add the to this recipe.
This was absolutely fantastic! So moist and flavorful! Perfect chicken. Ours was done 15 min. earlier, but no problem. The juice is so delicious. I made baby yellow roasted potatoes and green beans and the sauce topped it all off! WONDERFUL recipe. Thank you so much!
Yay!! It makes my heart so happy that your enjoyed this so much! Great Idea with the baby yellow roasted potatoes and green beans with the sauce.
Most amazing roast chicken, EVER. Making again this weekend for a dinner party. Thank you for this amazing recipe.
I have been wanting to use my clay roaster and finely got to it this weekend. Following your recipe resulted in delicious tender chicken. I cook outdoors every chance I get so I used my pellet grill not an oven. I can turn my pellet grill to 400 degrees and at that temp it does not produce much smoke. It worked perfectly. Wonderful meal thank you!
Oh wow! We have a pellet Grill and we need to try this, thanks for sharing
Will chicken skin crisp if using a romertopf?
It will brown but not crispy
I was just gifted a seasoned Romertopf roaster. I’m going to make this recipe tonight. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure it’s going to be delicious.