easy/peasy essentials: super juicy half chicken

How To Make easy/peasy essentials: super juicy half chicken

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  PREP/PREPARE
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  My favorite pan for making this type of recipe is cast iron; however, any good heavy-bottom, ovenproof pan will do just fine. Note: You will not require a lid
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  This recipe is designed around using a half chicken; however, you could use any parts you choose. If you choose a half chicken, it should feed 2 people, and leave you enough for a sandwich or to top a salad.
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  Two Heat Method I have posted many recipes that use a two-heat method of cooking. My goal with this recipe was to get a juicy bird (without any brining), and a crispy skin. When it comes down to cooking there are two elements involved in success 1. The ingredients (including spices) 2. Cooking technique (temperature) I wanted to get the chicken to the proper “safe” cooking temperature without drying it out in the process. To achieve that goal, I began low, and then went high. I will give you the internal temperatures at the different stages of the cooking process; however, you do not need to be this precise. I took the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit in the pan for about 30 minutes. That brought the internal temperature of the bird to around 50f/10c. Then I brushed on the oil/butter mixture, added some spices, and popped it into a preheated oven at 250f/120c. I baked it until the internal temperature reached 125f/50c. That took 40 – 45 minutes. Then I cranked up the temp to 375f/190c and continued to bake it until the internal temperature registered around 160f/70c. That took 25 – 30 minutes longer. By then the skin was nice and crispy. I let it rest for about 10 minutes, covered, to redistribute the juice and then cut into it. It was the juiciest of birds and I DID NOT use a brine solution; in addition, everything from the wing to the breast was perfectly cooked. I served this the other day and not only did everyone finish their portions, but the bones were picked clean.
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  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Place a rack in the lower position and preheat the oven to 250f/120c.
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  Add the butter and olive oil to a small bowl and mix to combine.
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  Add the chicken to your ovenproof skillet, then brush with the olive oil/butter mixture.
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  Lightly sprinkle with the spices.
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  Place into the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, then raise the temperature to 375f/190c.
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  Bake until the skin begins to brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160f/70c, about 25 - 30 minutes longer.
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  Remove from the oven, cover, and allow to rest for about 8 – 10 minutes before serving.
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  Covering and resting the chicken will allow the juices to redistribute, and carryover cooking will raise the internal temper to around 165f/75c, which is considered safe for poultry.
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  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Cut up and serve rustic style with your favorite sides. Enjoy.
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  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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