There is nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly roasted chicken filling your kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, mastering the art of a juicy roasted chicken is a skill every home cook should have. Butterflying and brining your chicken ensures maximum flavour and tenderness, making it a dish everyone will crave.
The Secret to Juicy Roasted Chicken
The secret to achieving a juicy roasted chicken lies in two key techniques: butterflying and brining. Butterflying, also known as spatchcocking, involves removing the chicken’s backbone using a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. so it lays flat. This method allows for even cooking and ensures that the meat stays moist while the skin becomes beautifully crisp.
Brining, is a simple yet transformative step that helps lock in flavour and moisture. The meat absorbs the liquid by soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, resulting in tender, juicy bites. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare the Brine: Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4-6 cups of water. For extra flavour, add aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or herbs.
- Brine the Chicken: Submerge the chicken in the brine for 30 minutes. For best results, ensure the entire chicken is covered.
- Rinse and Dry: Once the brining is complete, quickly rinse the chicken under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during roasting.
How to Prepare the Perfect Juicy Roasted Chicken
You will need:
Equipment
- Water Kettle
- A large mixing bowl
- A kitchen scissors
- A meat thermometer
Ingredients
For Brining
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 cup hot water to dissolve the salt
- 5-6 cups cold water
For seasoning
- 1.7 kg/3.6 lbs whole chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil/oil of choice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
- 14 g poultry blend
Instructions
- Brine the chicken: Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 1 cup hot water then mix it with 4-6 cups of cold water, and ensure the chicken is covered. Set aside for 30 minutes. Once done, give it a quick rinse then pat dry with a paper towel.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Make small cuts all over the chicken then spread the mixture evenly over it.
- Roast Evenly: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the poultry blend (thyme, rosemary, and basil are classic choices that add a delicious depth of flavour) under the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, skin-side up, to allow air circulation. Roast for 50-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
- Let It Rest: Once roasted, cover with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
Why This Recipe Is Easy and Delicious
This recipe isn’t just about creating a mouthwatering meal—it’s about making it simple and approachable. A delicious and easy roasted chicken doesn’t require hours of prep or fancy techniques. By focusing on high-quality ingredients and straightforward steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen.
Butterflying the chicken reduces cooking time while ensuring even results. Brining adds moisture and enhances the chicken’s natural flavour, so you don’t need heavy sauces or complicated marinades. The result is a beautifully roasted bird with crispy skin and juicy meat that practically falls off the bone. We served this with fluffy roast potatoes.
Tips for the Best Delicious and Easy Roasted Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: A fresh, high-quality chicken always yields better results.
- Monitor the Temperature: A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with spice blends like cayenne pepper, turmeric, cumin, or chilli powder to suit your taste.
In summary, creating a juicy roasted chicken is easier than you think, and with the right techniques, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress. Combining butterflying and brining guarantees tender, flavorful meat with crispy skin every time. If you are feeling a little bit adventurous, you could also try our;
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
How To Make Juicy Roasted Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3.6 lbs whole chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil or of choice
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh lemon
- 14 g poultry blend
For Brining
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup hot water
- 4-5 cups cold water or enough to cover the chicken
Instructions
- Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 1 cup hot water then mix it with 4-6 cups of cold water, and ensure the chicken is covered. Set aside for 30 minutes. Once done, give it a quick rinse then pat dry with a paper towel
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, smoked paprika, chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Make small cuts all over the chicken then spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the poultry blend (thyme, rosemary, and basil are classic choices that add a delicious depth of flavour) under the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, skin-side up, to allow air circulation.
- Roast for 50-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
- Once roasted, cover with foil and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
- Dissolve the 1/4 cup of salt in 1 cup of hot water. Add the salt solution to 4-5 cups of water, and ensure the chicken is covered.
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