Desserts That Go With Roast Chicken (18 BEST Treats!)

Often the centrepiece for Sunday dinners and special occasions, roast chicken is a comforting meal that’s a hit with the whole family. 

But what’s a delightful roast without the perfect sweet finish?

When choosing a dessert to follow your roast chicken, consider the balance of textures and flavours.

If your chicken is heavily seasoned or served with a rich gravy, you might prefer a dessert that’s light and refreshing to cleanse the palate.

On the other hand, a simple herb-roasted chicken can be followed by something a bit more indulgent.

Whether you crave something fruity, creamy, or chocolatey, there’s a myriad of options that will round off your meal beautifully.

Here’s some quick ideas to get us started… 

Some of the best choices for desserts that go with roast chicken include lemon drizzle cake, orange posset, rosemary pear tart, lavender shortbread, apple crisp, almond biscotti, panna cotta, chocolate mousse, sticky toffee pudding, lemon sorbet, fruit salad, and velvety cheesecake. 

Let’s dive further into exploring the perfect pairings… 

Complementary Flavours

After savouring a hearty roast chicken, your taste buds deserve sweets that enhance and balance the meal. 

Citrus-Infused Sweets

A touch of citrus can cut through the richness of roast chicken.

Consider desserts like:

• Lemon Drizzle Cake: A moist sponge cake with a sharp lemon glaze.
• Orange Posset: A creamy dessert with a tangy orange twist.

Citrus Pairing Tip: Serve a slice of lemon tart with a dollop of clotted cream to temper the citrus intensity.

Herb-Scented Desserts

Herbs in desserts can echo the savoury notes of the chicken.

Try these:

• Rosemary Pear Tart: The woody aroma of rosemary pairs beautifully with sweet pear.
• Lavender Shortbread: Floral lavender provides a subtle contrast to the buttery shortbread.

Herb Pairing Tip: Garnish a scoop of basil-infused ice cream with fresh strawberries for an herbaceous yet sweet note.

Texture Pairings

Texture can greatly enhance your dining experience, especially when pairing desserts with roast chicken.

The contrast between a crispy chicken skin and a softer dessert can be particularly pleasing.

Crunchy Accompaniments

When considering crunchy desserts, think of items that can add a playful bite to complement your roast chicken.

• Apple Crisp: A classic dessert that brings a delightful crunch through its baked topping, typically consisting of oats, flour, butter, and sugar.
• Almond Biscotti: These twice-baked Italian biscuits offer a satisfying snap, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea after your meal.

Soft and Creamy Options

For a soft and creamy contrast, these desserts provide a smooth finish that can soothe the palate after the savouriness of chicken.

• Panna Cotta: This Italian dessert of sweetened cream thickened with gelatine is often infused with vanilla and can be dressed with fruit compote.
• Chocolate Mousse: Light and airy, yet rich in flavour, a chocolate mousse can give a luscious end to your roast chicken dinner.

(If you love a sweet treat after a meal, you’ll also enjoy desserts to serve after alfredo, and desserts to serve after lamb!) 

Temperature Contrasts

After enjoying a hearty roast chicken, treating yourself to a dessert that contrasts in temperature can enhance your dining experience.

Warm Puddings

In the realm of warm puddings, sticky toffee pudding offers a lusciously sweet finish.

The tender sponge soaked with a warm toffee sauce pairs sublimely with the savoury notes of your roast chicken.

Similarly, a comforting apple crumble, served right out of the oven with its crisp, buttery topping, is a heartfelt choice that complements the succulent chicken.

Chilled Delights

On the other hand, chilled desserts can provide a refreshing counterpoint.

A classic, chilled lemon sorbet cleanses the palate with its zesty and cool flavour, presenting a pleasant contrast.

A luxurious chocolate mousse, with its smooth and airy texture, feels indulgent after the warm roast, ensuring a delightful balance.

Classic Pairings

After savouring a succulent roast chicken, complementing your meal with a classic dessert is a delightful way to round off your dining experience.

These traditional desserts not only add a sweet contrast but also embody comfort and nostalgia.

Apple Pie

You can’t go wrong with a warm slice of apple pie.

This quintessential dessert, boasting tender spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust, is a timeless choice.

For an indulgent twist, top your pie with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Seasonal Fruit Cobblers

A seasonal fruit cobbler is another excellent choice to follow your roast chicken.

Whether you opt for summer berries or autumnal fruits like pears or plums, this deconstructed pie with a crumbly topping gives you a chance to enjoy the season’s best offerings.

• Fruits: Varies by season (e.g., berries, pears, plums)
• Tip: Serve hot with custard for extra cosiness

Light and Refreshing Finishes

After enjoying the rich flavours of roast chicken, you’ll want a dessert that cleanses the palate and leaves you feeling refreshed.

Fruit Salads

Summer Berry Mix: Combine fresh strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a vibrant and juicy salad.

Citrus Medley: Mix segments of orange, grapefruit, and tangerine for a citrusy salad with a zesty kick.

Rich and Decadent Choices

To elevate your dining experience following a succulent roast chicken, indulge in these sumptuous desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy your desire for a rich finish.

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a luxurious dessert that you can effortlessly pair with your meal.

It consists of just two ingredients – chocolate and double cream – but the end result is a glossy, smooth texture with a deeply satisfying richness.

Pour it over cakes, use it to fill pastries, or simply serve as a dip with fresh fruit.

Here’s how to prepare it:

• Ingredients:
  • 200g dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 200ml double cream
• Instructions:
  1. Heat the double cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
  3. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently stir until smooth and combined.
  4. Allow the ganache to cool and thicken before use.

Velvety Cheesecakes

If you prefer a dessert that’s creamy with a hint of tanginess, turn your attention to velvety cheesecakes.

They are rich, indulgent, and come in a variety of flavours from classic vanilla to exotic passion fruit.

A biscuit base adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.

Here’s a simple recipe to make a mini cheesecake:

• Ingredients:
  • 150g digestive biscuits, crushed
  • 75g unsalted butter, melted
  • 300g cream cheese, softened
  • 150ml sour cream
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the crushed biscuits and melted butter, press into the base of small ramekins, and chill.
  2. Whisk the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into the ramekins and bake at 160°C for about 20 minutes until set yet slightly wobbly in the centre.
  4. Cool and then refrigerate before serving.

Which of these options for desserts that go with roast chicken will you be trying?

Share your ideas in the comments section below! 

If you love exploring new menu options, you’ll also enjoy desserts for roast beef, and desserts for salmon.