Chef John's Salt-Crusted Chicken
Ingredients List
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1 (3 1/2) pound whole chicken at room temperature
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3 tablespoons kosher salt, or as needed
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
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1 lemon, juiced
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⅓ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon water, or as needed (Optional)
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2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into four pieces
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salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Tuck the wing tips underneath and place the bird in a large, oven-safe skillet. If desired, use kitchen scissors to trim off the tail.
Generously season the chicken's cavity, back, and sides with kosher salt. Tie the legs together using kitchen twine, then coat the breasts with more salt, ensuring they’re evenly covered. Wipe away any excess salt from the skillet using paper towels.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven until the internal temperature of the thigh, without touching the bone, reaches 160°F (70°C), about 50 to 60 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Carefully blot out about 90% of the chicken fat from the skillet with a paper towel using tongs, leaving behind the crispy bits. Place the skillet on medium-high heat and add thyme leaves. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the thyme wilts. Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and water, stirring to dissolve the browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces by half.
Reduce the heat to low, add the cold butter, and stir until it begins to melt. Stir in any juices released from the chicken, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Chef's Tip
I'm taking a wild guess with the measurements here, since it's all about the feel. Just go with your instincts!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| 554 | Calories |
| 36g | Fat |
| 1g | Carbs |
| 54g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 4 | |
| Calories 554 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 36g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium 4604mg | 200% |
| Total Carbohydrate 1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| Protein 54g | 107% |
| Vitamin C 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium 32mg | 2% |
| Iron 3mg | 16% |
| Potassium 491mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Evaluation :
5/5