Whole chicken in dough

Whole Chicken in Dough - A Delicious and Captivating Recipe

I invite you to discover a traditional recipe that perfectly blends flavors and textures, transforming a simple chicken into an extraordinary and sophisticated dish. The whole chicken in dough is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring joy to your table.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 grams of flour
- 300 ml of warm water
- 10 grams of dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt

For the chicken:
- 1 chicken weighing about 1.5 kg
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A Brief Story About the Recipe
Whole chicken in dough is a recipe that highlights the art of cooking poultry, used for centuries in various cultures. The dough not only envelops the chicken, protecting the juiciness of the meat during baking, but also adds a delicious, crispy crust. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, as well as for a family dinner on the weekend.

Step-by-Step Preparation of the Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and the Dish
Start by preheating the oven to 220°C. Choose a generous ovenproof dish that can hold the chicken and the dough. Grease it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough
In a bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in 300 ml of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, until the yeast becomes frothy – this is a sign that it is active.

In another bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the dissolved yeast. Mix the ingredients with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous and non-sticky dough. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and continue kneading for a few minutes.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest at room temperature while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Preparing the Chicken
Grate the lemon zest and mix it in a bowl with the dried basil, thyme, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and mix well to obtain a fragrant paste.

Rub the chicken both inside and out with the spice mixture, ensuring that every corner is well covered. Cut the lemon in half, then cut one half into thick slices of 1-2 cm. Place the lemon slices and a bay leaf inside the chicken. Tie its legs with string to keep the filling inside.

Step 4: Dressing the Chicken in Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it reaches a thickness of 0.5 cm. Place the sheet of dough in the ovenproof dish, then place the chicken on top. Wrap it well with the dough, making sure no parts are left uncovered.

Step 5: Baking
Put the dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The dough will become golden and crispy, and the chicken will be cooked evenly, retaining its juiciness.

Serving and Suggestions
Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it. Serve it with roasted vegetables, fries, or a fresh salad for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially eggs and butter, if you use them for other recipes.
- Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or oregano, to change the flavor profile of the chicken. You can also add vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) to the dish with the chicken to roast together.
- Dough: If you want to save time, you can use store-bought bread dough.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe has approximately 450-500 calories per serving, depending on the size of the chicken and the ingredients used. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and herbs like basil and thyme provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use thawed chicken? Yes, make sure the chicken is completely thawed before preparing it.
- How do I know if the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 75°C.
- What drinks pair well with this recipe? A dry white wine or a light beer are ideal to accompany this dish.

Conclusion
Whole chicken in dough is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to gather the family around the table and create unforgettable memories. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy every step of this culinary experience. Savor every bite and share the joy of cooking with your loved ones!