Perfectly Balanced Oven-Roasted Salt-Crusted Chicken

Ingredients

- 4 lb whole chicken
- 2 ½ cups kosher salt
- 2 tbsp table salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to come to temperature. Prepare a roasting pan with a rack.

2. Prepare the Salt Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of kosher salt with 2 tablespoons of table salt. Mix thoroughly to integrate both salt types.

3. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, then pat dry with paper towels. This step will ensure the salt crust adheres properly.

4. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken inside and out with olive oil, ensuring a thin and even coating. Season the interior of the chicken with freshly ground black pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters, onion pieces, garlic cloves, and rosemary sprigs.

5. Apply the Salt Crust: Cover the bottom of the roasting pan with half the salt mixture. Carefully place the chicken on the rack in the roasting pan. Use the remaining salt mixture to cover the top and sides of the chicken, pressing gently to form a firm crust.

6. Roast the Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately PT1H30M (1 hour and 30 minutes) or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (75°C).

7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes. Gently crack the salt crust and remove it before carving. Serve with your choice of sides.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT1H30M
1 hour and 30 minutes

Total Time

PT1H45M
1 hour and 45 minutes

Type of Dish

Dinner

Keywords

Salt-crusted chicken, Oven-roasted chicken, Dinner recipe, Whole chicken, Roast chicken, Easy gourmet dinner, Salt crust, Savory chicken recipe, Baked chicken, Chicken dinner

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total: 2250 calories

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