Page Contents
Tips for Making Mouthwatering Faux-Tisserie Chicken
Roast chicken is a nostalgic comfort food classic that many associate with Sunday nights at home. It’s no surprise that Costco’s rotisserie chicken is one of their best-selling items. But did you know you can get the same delicious results at home? With a few tips and tricks, you can make your own faux rotisserie chicken that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Here are some expert tips to help you up your fried chicken game.
Learn to dry brine
Brining is a great way to infuse meat or poultry with flavor, but it can be cumbersome, especially when dealing with whole birds like chickens. Enter dry brining, an easier and more effective method. Dry brining involves generously seasoning the meat with salt and other seasonings several hours or even a day before cooking. This allows the salt and spices to mix and mingle with the natural moisture in the meat, resulting in a less waterlogged and tastier chicken. To take your dry brine to the next level, add baking soda, which helps the chicken skin brown deeply in the oven, giving you the crispy, caramelized skin that rotisserie chicken fans crave.
Reduce moisture for crispy skin
Crispy skin is the hallmark of a great fried chicken. To get that crispy, golden skin, it’s important to reduce moisture. After dry brining, pat the entire chicken dry with paper towels and place on a rack set over a baking sheet. Let it air dry in the refrigerator, uncovered, for an hour or two. This step will remove excess moisture from the skin, allowing it to crisp up nicely during roasting.
Lower the oven temperature
There are different schools of thought when it comes to roasting chicken. Some opt for high oven temperatures for a shorter cooking time, while others prefer low and slow cooking for a tender texture. If you want tender, shreddable meat, consider roasting your chicken at a lower temperature, around 300ºF. This method produces melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, but may sacrifice some crunch. On the other hand, a higher oven temperature will give you more bite and texture, along with a crisper, burnished skin. Choose the technique that suits your preferences and cooking time.
Season chicken simply but well
Seasoning is the key to adding flavor to your faux-tisserie chicken. Season the chicken liberally inside and out for the best flavor. While you can experiment with different herbs and spices, sometimes simplicity is best. A combination of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning can bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. Don’t forget to season the cavity as well, using aromatics like lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
Butter is your friend
Butter adds richness and juiciness to your fried chicken. It also acts as a vehicle for other flavors such as garlic, herbs, or spices. You can mix these ingredients into the butter and apply them to the outside of the chicken. For an extra flavor boost, consider tucking spiced butter under the chicken skin. This will allow the butter to melt and infuse the breast meat with flavor and moisture during roasting.
Don’t forget to tie
Trussing helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents the breast from drying out while the legs and thighs cook through. It may seem complicated, but it’s relatively easy to do at home. Use cotton kitchen twine to secure the wings to the sides of the chicken and tie the ankles together, closing the cavity. Trussing ensures that the chicken holds its shape and cooks evenly, resulting in a visually appealing and juicy roasted chicken.
Be sure to roast on a rack
While it may be tempting to place the chicken directly in the roasting pan, using a rack makes all the difference, especially if you want crispy skin. A rack allows air to circulate around the bird, ensuring that the skin is crisp and golden on all sides. It also makes it easier to remove the chicken from the pan and collect the delicious drippings for a homemade gravy. If you don’t have a rack, you can create a bed of aromatics, such as garlic and onions, to elevate the chicken and add flavor to the juices.
Flip the chicken halfway through
For a true faux-tisserie experience, consider flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process. Start by roasting the chicken breast side down, allowing the thighs and legs to cook thoroughly while protecting the breast from direct heat. This results in a crisper skin on the underside, similar to a rotisserie chicken. After flipping the chicken, you can use the broiler setting on your oven to achieve a browned finish. Be careful when flipping the chicken to avoid hot splatters or accidents.
Rest and Carve Properly
Once your faux-tisserie chicken is beautifully roasted and golden, it’s important to let it rest before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for a moist and tender result. Wrap the chicken loosely in foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. When carving, start with the legs and thighs, followed by the wings, and then slice the breast against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Serve with delicious sides
A delicious faux-Tisserie chicken deserves equally delicious side dishes. Consider serving your chicken with classic accompaniments such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. The juicy and flavorful chicken pairs well with a variety of sides and can turn a simple meal into a feast.
Experiment with leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Faux-Tisserie Chicken, don’t let them go to waste. The tender, shredded meat can be used in a variety of recipes, including chicken salad, sandwiches, soups, or even tacos. Get creative and turn your leftovers into new and exciting dishes.
Now that you’ve got these expert tips, you’re ready to create your own delicious Faux-Tisserie Chicken at home. With a little preparation, attention to detail, and the right techniques, you can enjoy the same crispy, juicy chicken you love from the store. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade rotisserie chicken that will have them coming back for seconds.
FAQS
What is Faux-Tisserie Chicken?
Faux-tisserie chicken refers to rotisserie chicken cooked in a home oven using techniques that mimic the flavor and texture of rotisserie chicken.
How does dry brining enhance the flavor of the chicken?
Dry brining involves seasoning the chicken with salt and other seasonings in advance. This process allows the salt to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Can I use wet brine instead of dry brine?
While wet brining is an option, dry brining is preferred for convenience and effectiveness. Dry brining takes up less refrigerator space and results in a less waterlogged chicken with a crispy skin.
What is the purpose of lowering the oven temperature?
Lowering the oven temperature allows for a slower, more even cooking process. This can result in tender meat, while higher temperatures can result in a crisper skin and more texture.
How long should I let the chicken rest before carving?
It is recommended to let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful chicken.
Can I use the leftover chicken in other recipes?
Absolutely! Leftover Faux-Tisserie Chicken can be used in a variety of recipes including salads, sandwiches, soups or tacos. The tender shredded meat adds flavor and versatility to your meals.