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The Neglected Chicken

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This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Roast Chicken
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ying's Notes: I love the flavour of a high-quality bird, so I don’t mess too much with it - just butter, lemon, a few herbs, and a fierce amount of salt. I do, however, commit skin heresy: I find there’s...
I love the flavour of a high-quality bird, so I don’t mess too much with it - just butter, lemon, a few herbs, and a fierce amount of salt. I do, however, commit skin heresy: I find there’s enough crisp deliciousness on the back & legs without worrying about the breast, so I cook it upside-down to get the silkiest breast meat. And the period of neglect was a happy accident. I was prepping a chicken, out-of-town friends called up, I went out, and roasted it the next day. I've since read about the technique in other places, among them Cooking for Mr. Latte.

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Serves 4

1 3-lb free-range chicken Ask a question about this ingredient

1 tablespoon fresh herbs (I like tarragon or herbes de Provence) or 1 scant teaspoon dried Ask a question about this ingredient

2 teaspoons sea salt Ask a question about this ingredient

3 tablespoons butter Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 lemon Ask a question about this ingredient

The day before you roast the chicken, mix the butter, salt and herbs in a small bowl and rub them into the chicken, inside and out. Place breast-down on a plate and refrigerate, uncovered, for 24 hours.
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The following day, move the chicken to a roasting pan and push the lemon half into its cavity. Roast at 375F for 75-90 minutes, or until your thermometer says it’s done. You can make a pan gravy with a little extra chicken stock, or just spoon the buttery juices over each portion. That’s it!
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3 Comments on The Neglected Chicken

allie added over 2 years ago

I also make my chicken upside down -- sometimes remember to prep ahead of time; sometimes not. We love chicken that's very tender so upside is a good trick.

KelseyTheNaptimeChef added over 2 years ago

Since I prepare a lot of things ahead of time I've also left a bird in the fridge to absorb the seasoning for an afternoon (or so) - it works so well, I'm glad you highlighted it!