Browned and crispy.Juicy and flavorful.Meaty and tender. These are just some of the things that make the perfect roast chicken. My personal favorite was the one I had in Scarpetta . Ever since I tried their oven-roasted chicken, it became an instant favorite. I have tried to make the same at home, but sadly, I could not get any closer to their secret recipe. Nonetheless, I learned some of the best secrets to roasting chicken, including those that will be briefly mentioned below.
Brine the Meat
Unevenly cooked meat is a common problem when roasting a whole chicken. With this, Bon Appetit recommends that you brine the chicken first to be sure that it will be cooked consistently. Dissolve salt in water and soak the bird for a few hours before it is roasted. Alternatively, you can also rub the exterior of the chicken with a combination of spices, herbs, salt, and sugar. Refrigerate. Brining makes sure that it will be cooked evenly inside out.
Truss the Chicken
Trussing is a technique that involves tying the chicken. Similar to brining, the goal of such is to cook the bird evenly. Through this, the legs and the wings will stay close to the body. It also prevents the tips from getting burnt or overcooked. Make sure to use a kitchen twine when trussing the chicken as it won’t melt even in high heat.
Season Generously
If you are planning a trendy brunch in NYC and you want the roast chicken to be the star of the meal, make sure that you do not forget to have it seasoned. This is where most of the flavor will come from. Season in and out to maximize the flavor. Rubbing the skin with butter or oil is good to make it moist. As part of seasoning, stuff it with herbs and aromatics. Garlic cloves, pepper, and quartered lemons will make good stuffing.
Create a Natural Roasting Surface
It is not enough that you brush the pan with olive oil or butter before putting the chicken. You need to create a natural roasting surface that will add flavor to the meat. Layered veggies will also help to prevent the chicken from being soggy as it adds up moisture. You can expect the roast chicken to be moist and juicy.
Pick the Right Chicken
At the end of the day, the most important is to pick the right chicken. Free-range and organic chicken is the best choice It is raised freely and without antibiotics making sure of the purity of the flavor. Pick a bird raised in a local farm and one that is certified organic. When buying a whole chicken, make sure that it is fresh. Pay attention to the most common signs of spoilage, such as a foul smell and a yellowish skin.
There you have it! Cook the perfect roast chicken at home by keeping in mind the things mentioned above. Brunches will no longer be the same as you will have a new star at your next gathering!
