Chicken cooked in a salt crust

Discover the perfect recipe for moist and flavorful chicken cooked in a salt crust. Infused with fresh thyme, rosemary, and zesty lemon, this dish ensures every bite is a taste sensation. Easy to prepare with only a few ingredients including garlic, olive oil, and eggs. Ideal for a delightful and healthy meal!

  • 12 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 60 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 7 Ingredients

Chicken cooked in a salt crust

Chicken cooked in a salt crust is a unique and flavorful dish that preserves the tenderness and juiciness of the chicken while infusing it with aromatic herbs. This cooking method locks in moisture and creates a delicious, savory crust that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp fresh thyme
30g
2 eggs
100g
1 tbsp rosemary
16g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
4 chicken breasts
470g

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for the chicken.
2. Prepare Herb Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh thyme and rosemary. Finely chop the herbs if they are not pre-chopped. Add the lemon zest and minced garlic cloves to the bowl. Mix everything well and then add the olive oil. Stir to create a fragrant herb paste.
3. Season Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub the herb mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Prepare Salt Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Add the kosher salt and mix it into the eggs until the mixture resembles wet sand.
5. Form the Salt Crust:
On a baking tray, spread a thin layer of the salt mixture to form a bed for the chicken breasts. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the salt layer. Then, cover each chicken breast entirely with the remaining salt mixture, ensuring there are no gaps. Press the salt mixture firmly around the chicken to form a solid crust.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The salt crust will harden and turn golden brown, sealing in the moisture and flavors of the chicken.
7. Rest and Break the Crust:
Once the chicken is done baking, remove the tray from the oven. Let the chicken rest in the salt crust for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
8. Remove the Salt Crust:
Carefully crack open the salt crust using a small hammer or spoon. Remove and discard the salt crust pieces from each chicken breast. Brush off any excess salt from the chicken surface.
9. Serve:
Slice the chicken breasts and serve them immediately. They should be juicy and infused with the flavors of the herbs and lemon zest.

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before applying the oil and herb mixture to help the seasoning adhere better.

- When packing the salt crust, make sure there are no gaps or thin spots to maintain even cooking and proper moisture retention.

- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken to avoid overcooking.

- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.

Cooking chicken in a salt crust is not only a beautifully aromatic and flavorful technique but also a way to ensure incredibly moist and tender meat. The herbs and lemon zest infuse the chicken with a delightful flavor, making this dish a standout on any dining table. Impress your guests with this eye-catching and delectable recipe.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 190kcal9%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 0.66g0%
Fiber 1.09g3%
Sugar 0.06g0%
Fat
Fat 9g11%
Saturated 1.94g6%
Cholesterol 190mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 54ug6%
Choline 180mg33%
Vitamin B1 0.13mg11%
Vitamin B2 0.32mg24%
Vitamin B3 11mg71%
Vitamin B6 0.99mg58%
Vitamin B9 27ug7%
Vitamin B12 0.50ug21%
Vitamin C 0.15mg0%
Vitamin E 0.92mg6%
Vitamin K 0.10ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 50mg4%
Copper, Cu 0.05mg5%
Iron, Fe 0.88mg8%
Magnesium, Mg 36mg9%
Phosphorus, P 300mg24%
Potassium, K 480mg14%
Selenium, Se 36ug63%
Sodium, Na 90mg6%
Zinc, Zn 1.13mg10%
Water
Water 110g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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