Don't know if you have it there, but Nando's have marinades that are rather yummy...if you like a bit of spice that is...marinate the chicken for the night before and yummo.....we can get it at the supermarket...Tina

I think the difference you're chasing might be in the flavour of the marinade? I'm mad for anything including kaffir lime, don't have an exact formulation but guess that k. lime leaves, soy sauce, the oil of your choice and a small amount of raw sugar could be included, maybe a chilli. Rose

Sorry Rose, yes, a marinade, that's what I meant. I do a BBQ flavoured one that the kids love, and a satay one and a couple of others occasionally but just trying to find something different. As it is Christmas, I don't want to have something that we have all the time. Thanks Tina, I'll check out the Nandos, see if they have it here.

Well I was just about to suggest a satay one but that's no good to you.

Have you tried chicken on a can? I've never done it before but a friend told me about it. You put the open end of the chook over an open can of beer, coke, lemon or whatever you want, sit the can on the bbq for about 45mins. You have to maintain a pretty steady temp and don't let it get too hot or it will burn the can. It makes the whole chicken tender and succulent. My friend is having us over for one after New Year and I can't wait. It sounds delicious. Cheers, Jules

Let me guess Jules - you open the can first? LOL. Molotov Cockeral

Sounds different, Jules, I might try that sometime when I have something else as well, just in case :-) Molotov cockeral - I just got a weird look from the kids when I burst out laughing at the thought of a chook flying through the air with a can sticking out its ...., spraying drink everywhere.

can hardly type for giggling and imagining your Molotov cockerals flying in all directions, one landing on the lap of your verandah sitting neighbour. Ouch !!!!

Wish it would :-) Their house is up for sale but I don't see it selling too soon as it was on the market for 12 mths last time. Awkward block - big house but only about 3-5m around the house is flat the rest is a steep slope. Still haven't made up my mind how to do the chicken, I might leave it until tomorrow then decide - last minute as usual. Hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year. Happy gardening!

Have you considered a theme? If you want chook and veges, perhaps you could try something with a Greek or Middle Eastern influence. Might give you a starting point, then you could choose appropriate veges (aubergine, capsicum etc) and some kindof coating for the chicken (& plenty of garlic). I'm sure the supermarkets sell something already prepared - McCormicks spices or similar, or you could mix up your own (garlic, rosemary?). Can't see you going too wrong. You could have a greek salad perhaps - very easy with feta and olives?

Thanks for all your suggestions. The theme idea is good. I'll be doing a marinade late this afternoon so will make the final decision then. I usually make my own mixes (couldn't see the Nandos and others didn't appeal) so I have a good range of most ingredients necessary. I'll be having a few vegies on the BBQ as well as some salads and of course have to have the usual favourites of pavlova, trifle & rich, creamy homemade ice-cream and fresh fruit salad so have to make sure we leave room for that. We rarely have desserts so they are a treat for us. Once again thanks for the suggestions (and laughter - flying chooks!) and I hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas & New Year.