What could be more incredibly amazing about eating chicken wings or leg pieces? You guess it right, cooking and eating a whole chicken can truly be that. Although you can buy cooked chicken from the market to save the effort, the taste and fun you get by preparing it yourself is a different thing. Check out this article on how to cook a whole chicken in the most effective method.
We all love chicken for its tender, juicy, and chewy texture. And there are multiple ways of cooking it. Some may be difficult, while others are easy. Some prefer cooking it on a grill, some in the cooker, and others in the oven. Now, if the question of how to cook a whole chicken arises in your mind, the oven definitely comes first to the list. Amazingly, this is correct and a very suitable choice.
We have listed the recipe and best method below for cooking a whole chicken. However, there are other methods not mentioned here. And you may want to try those too next time. But for now, let’s get started with the most effective method.
What ingredients do I need to cook a whole chicken?
When steps for cooking whole chicken were followed properly, it can be an easy and straightforward dish to prepare. It’s a money-saver and requires no extravagant ingredients. The ingredients are as follows:
- 6-7 pounds chicken
- 3 tbsp
- 2 tbsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow onion
- 4 Carrots
- 1 Garlic head
- Thyme (1 large bunch)
- 1 lemon
Which medium is more preferable for cooking chicken?
When it comes to roasting chicken and other things, an oven is the most preferred choice in the kitchen. One reason is that the oven acts very effectively. It stores heat inside and doesn’t let it escape. When chicken is placed inside the oven, heat, and humidity is trapped inside. As a result, it leaves no area uncooked and raw as heat is all around it. Therefore, for easy, rapid, and best results, using an oven is the best option
You can also use a grill; however, it might be inconvenient at times. Weather is one of those multiple factors. Another reason for the reduced use of grill is that it takes time to heat it. Because of that, it’s not the supreme choice when one is in a hurry. But you can use it in case there’s a or if you want to get that smoky flavor.
Another effective and commonly-used household appliance is a cooker. But remember that cooking in a cooker is steaming. It is not an option if you are after a roasted texture and aroma. You might not obtain the kind of taste and flavor you desire.
What is the first step towards cooking chicken?
Firstly, remember to heat the grill first before starting anything when cooking a whole chicken. By doing so, it will help you get work done faster. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Then, clean the chicken from inside out with water and pat dry. Now, drop olive oil upon it and spread equally on all sides.
Next, season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper thoroughly including the exteriors. It will give the chicken the flavorful taste you desire.
What herbs should I use to cook a whole chicken?
Our all-time favorite herbs are basil, thyme, and rosemary. But you may use your preferred ones. However, before putting the herbs, make sure to thoroughly have rubbed the spices on the exterior of the chicken.
To give off a good taste to the whole chicken you can place herbs, cheese, or any other herbs you like inside. Place potatoes on both sides of the baking dish to roast it.
Before you place your chicken inside the oven, remember to tie the drumsticks together. Just tie the legs at the ankles of the chicken for an even and more robust flavor.
How long should I cook it?
After placing your trussed chicken inside the oven, don’t poke your nose inside it for up to 45 minutes so just you know it’s done. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. It should be between 160-165ᵒF.
If you like crispy crusts, then roast it for another five minutes after taking it out of the oven. It will give its edges a bit crunchier taste.
If you cooked it using a grill, turn it over after almost 30 minutes to let the other side roast equally. Covering the lid properly gives proper heat, hence cooking the whole chicken thoroughly. Trust me, you don’t want to leave any part of that chicken raw. It contains many kinds of bacteria that can make you sick if you eat any piece of that chicken in raw form. Cooking it well is the only way to kill the bacteria.
Similar is the case with a cooker whereas, the chicken is entirely covered. Therefore it is cooked thoroughly. The danger of having any side uncooked is not that much. Therefore, fewer chances for raw sides, hence no way for bacteria to survive.
What can I season a whole chicken with?
You can season it with anything you like for it won’t make a difference. For instance, ketchup or chutney (a mixture of sugar, spices, fruit, and vinegar) are popular seasonings.
Conclusion :
Chicken is a go-to dish for everyone and everywhere. It is one of the most consumed food around the world. No one can resist its tender, juicy, and flavorful invitation to themselves. The aroma while cooking pushes the craving furthermore.
Many times we find ourselves confused as to what method to deploy when cooking a whole chicken. Making the best chicken dinner possible can be a challenge, especially when one not much time. Things can get real messy at times even though it is a very common dish and people love it world-wide.
And for this very purpose, we have mentioned the easiest and most effective answer to cook a whole chicken. We hope this article helps you a great deal.
FUN FACT: Chickens exceed the human population count. Their population is more than twenty-five billion. In fact, chickens are the most common and more in population than any other species of birds. They outnumbered them all.
If you are a chicken dish lover, you may want to know how to long you can freeze the chicken to preserve its freshness. Check out also some fried chicken, simple wok, and healthy chicken recipes from my previous posts.
Have a good day ahead! Happy cooking!
