What size casserole for whole chicken please?

[Sarah1210A]

Hi, I've just bought a 27cm oval casserole... Will this fit a whole medium chicken do you think? Im not sure if i should exchange for a 31cm oval, so cant check first by plonking a chicken in first? What size (and shape) does everyone use please? Also any tips would be good

[Chewbecca]

What are you cooking?

Most chickens will fit in that size dish, yes. If you think about it being a little less than a ruler's length, chickens are generally smaller than that.

[Sarah1210A]

Oh good thank you! Is it better that there's not much room left do you think? Erm I'm not really sure! I don't normally cook that type of thing but would love to try bigger meals where I can either have leftovers or use the meat in other meals over the next couple of days...

[Chewbecca]

Well it depends what you are cooking whether you want it snug or not!
When you say 'that type of thing' what are you thinking of?

You could do something like this Delia chicken in the pot in it.

But if you were looking at a casserole with lots of veg etc, it may be too small. But most casseroles would use a jointed rather than a whole chicken.

I would usually cook a whole chicken in a small roasting tin rather than in a pot.