Secrets Behind Crispy Roast Chicken Every Home Cook Needs

If you’re a home cook, you know that the perfect roast chicken is one of those dishes that can be equal parts daunting and satisfying. However, mastering the art of crispy, tender, and juicy roast chicken is easier than you think. In fact, there are a few secrets out there that every home cook should know in order to achieve that mouth-watering, golden-brown skin and succulent meat. So, in this article, we’ll be revealing the secrets behind crispy roast chicken that every home cook needs to know.

The Importance of Starting with a High-Quality Chicken

Before we dive into the techniques and methods for achieving crispy roast chicken, it’s important to start with the foundation: a high-quality chicken. This means buying a chicken that is free-range, organic, and preferably raised on a small farm. Not only is this better for the bird and the environment, but it also results in a much tastier and more flavorful chicken. The quality and taste of your roast chicken will ultimately depend on the quality of the chicken itself, so make sure to choose wisely when purchasing your bird.

Brining for Juicy and Flavorful Meat

One of the secrets to achieving juicy and flavorful meat in your roast chicken is brining. Brining is the process of soaking the chicken in a solution of water, salt, sugar, and aromatics for several hours before cooking it. This technique not only helps to season the chicken from the inside out but also helps to keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process. To brine your chicken, simply mix ¼ cup of salt and ¼ cup of sugar into a gallon of water, along with your desired aromatics such as herbs, spices, and citrus, and let the chicken soak for at least 4 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.

Pat Dry and Air-Dry for Crispy Skin

A common mistake when roasting chicken is not properly drying the skin before cooking it. This may seem like a small detail, but it can make all the difference in achieving that crispy skin we all crave. After brining, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels, inside and out. Then, let the chicken air-dry in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before roasting. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the skin, ensuring a crispy and golden-brown exterior.

Trussing for Even Cooking

Another secret to achieving a perfectly cooked roast chicken is trussing it. Trussing is the process of tying the chicken’s legs and wings close to the body to promote even cooking and to prevent them from drying out. This also helps to give the bird a more compact shape, making it easier to handle and carve. You can use kitchen twine or even regular thread to truss your chicken. Simply tie the legs and wings close to the body and tuck the wingtips under the bird’s back.

The Importance of Using a Meat Thermometer

One important tool that every home cook needs in their kitchen is a good quality meat thermometer. This is especially crucial when cooking poultry like chicken. To ensure that your roast chicken is cooked to perfection, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The desired temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). This will guarantee that your chicken is not overcooked and will result in juicy and tender meat.

Add Some Fat for Extra Flavor

Adding some fat, such as butter or oil, to the chicken before roasting it can help to enhance its flavor and achieve that crispy skin. You can either rub the chicken with some softened butter or oil, or you can also insert pats of butter under the skin for a more flavorful and moist chicken. Additionally, adding some aromatics, like herbs and garlic, to the butter or oil can infuse the chicken with even more delicious flavors.

Let the Chicken Rest

Last but not least, one of the secrets behind achieving a perfect roast chicken is letting it rest for at least 15 minutes after it’s done cooking. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meat. Resting the chicken also makes it easier to carve and prevents the meat from becoming dry.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it – the secrets behind crispy roast chicken that every home cook needs to know. Starting with a high-quality chicken, brining, pat drying, trussing, using a meat thermometer, adding some fat, and letting the chicken rest are all simple techniques that will elevate your roast chicken game to new heights. Remember to be patient and give yourself some grace, as perfecting the art of crispy roast chicken may take a few tries. But with these secrets in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with your mouth-watering roast chicken every time.