Chicken on salt: A simple recipe for tender and flavorful chicken
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Chicken on salt is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations and is appreciated for its simplicity as well as the unique taste it offers. This cooking method allows the chicken to cook evenly, retaining its juiciness and flavor, while the salt in the tray helps achieve a perfect crust. Let’s discover together how you can prepare this delicious dish that will impress any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- Chicken seasoning (a personal choice, may include paprika, pepper, thyme, etc.)
- Coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt, needed to cover the tray)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 carrot
Some say the secret to a perfect meal lies in the quality ingredients. Make sure the chicken you choose is fresh. If you have the opportunity, a naturally raised chicken will add extra flavor to your dish.
Preparing the chicken on salt:
1. Cleaning and seasoning the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. If you have a farm-raised chicken, it will have a more intense flavor. Once washed, dry it with a paper towel. Generously season the chicken with your chosen seasoning, making sure it is evenly coated. Important to remember: avoid adding salt to the chicken, as it will absorb salt from the cooking tray.
2. Packing the vegetables: Now it’s time to stuff the chicken with the vegetables. Cut the potato and carrot into large pieces, and quarter the onion. The garlic cloves can be left whole, just peeled. Stuff the chicken with these vegetables, which will add flavor and moisture, making the meat even more tender.
3. Preparing the tray: In a large tray, add a layer of coarse salt, enough to cover the bottom of the tray. This will act as a base for the chicken, helping to retain moisture and ensure even cooking. Place the chicken on this bed of salt, making sure it is well positioned.
4. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the tray with the chicken inside. Bake for 30-35 minutes, depending on the oven's power. The chicken is done when the skin turns golden and crispy. Don’t worry about excess salt; once the chicken is removed from the tray, gently shake it to remove the salt from the surface.
5. Serving: Once the chicken is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve it alongside the roasted vegetables from inside, which will be full of flavor and juicy. A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent accompaniments to this dish.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) inside the chicken.
- Make sure not to use fine table salt, as it can make the chicken too salty. Coarse salt allows for a more even and delicate distribution of salt on the meat.
- This recipe can be easily adapted; you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Additionally, the vegetables used in this recipe bring a wealth of vitamins and minerals, being rich in antioxidants and fiber. This combination is not only delicious but also healthy!
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It is recommended to use fresh chicken for the best results. If you use frozen chicken, make sure you have completely thawed it before cooking.
2. What other seasonings can I use?
You can experiment with different seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, or even a barbecue spice mix, depending on your preferences.
3. How can I tell when the chicken is done?
A simple method is to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 75°C to be considered safe for consumption.
Chicken on salt is a recipe that will not only impress your guests but will also allow you to enjoy a delicious meal prepared with ease. Experiment with the ingredients, add a personal touch, and turn it into a staple dish in your kitchen. Savor every bite and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones!
Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Chicken on salt is a classic recipe that has been passed down through generations and is appreciated for its simplicity as well as the unique taste it offers. This cooking method allows the chicken to cook evenly, retaining its juiciness and flavor, while the salt in the tray helps achieve a perfect crust. Let’s discover together how you can prepare this delicious dish that will impress any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- Chicken seasoning (a personal choice, may include paprika, pepper, thyme, etc.)
- Coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt, needed to cover the tray)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 carrot
Some say the secret to a perfect meal lies in the quality ingredients. Make sure the chicken you choose is fresh. If you have the opportunity, a naturally raised chicken will add extra flavor to your dish.
Preparing the chicken on salt:
1. Cleaning and seasoning the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold water, ensuring you remove any impurities. If you have a farm-raised chicken, it will have a more intense flavor. Once washed, dry it with a paper towel. Generously season the chicken with your chosen seasoning, making sure it is evenly coated. Important to remember: avoid adding salt to the chicken, as it will absorb salt from the cooking tray.
2. Packing the vegetables: Now it’s time to stuff the chicken with the vegetables. Cut the potato and carrot into large pieces, and quarter the onion. The garlic cloves can be left whole, just peeled. Stuff the chicken with these vegetables, which will add flavor and moisture, making the meat even more tender.
3. Preparing the tray: In a large tray, add a layer of coarse salt, enough to cover the bottom of the tray. This will act as a base for the chicken, helping to retain moisture and ensure even cooking. Place the chicken on this bed of salt, making sure it is well positioned.
4. Baking the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the tray with the chicken inside. Bake for 30-35 minutes, depending on the oven's power. The chicken is done when the skin turns golden and crispy. Don’t worry about excess salt; once the chicken is removed from the tray, gently shake it to remove the salt from the surface.
5. Serving: Once the chicken is ready, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve it alongside the roasted vegetables from inside, which will be full of flavor and juicy. A dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent accompaniments to this dish.
Practical tips:
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding herbs (such as rosemary or thyme) inside the chicken.
- Make sure not to use fine table salt, as it can make the chicken too salty. Coarse salt allows for a more even and delicate distribution of salt on the meat.
- This recipe can be easily adapted; you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Additionally, the vegetables used in this recipe bring a wealth of vitamins and minerals, being rich in antioxidants and fiber. This combination is not only delicious but also healthy!
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
It is recommended to use fresh chicken for the best results. If you use frozen chicken, make sure you have completely thawed it before cooking.
2. What other seasonings can I use?
You can experiment with different seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, or even a barbecue spice mix, depending on your preferences.
3. How can I tell when the chicken is done?
A simple method is to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 75°C to be considered safe for consumption.
Chicken on salt is a recipe that will not only impress your guests but will also allow you to enjoy a delicious meal prepared with ease. Experiment with the ingredients, add a personal touch, and turn it into a staple dish in your kitchen. Savor every bite and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones!