Salt-crusted baked chicken

Discover the ultimate Salt-Crusted Baked Chicken recipe, featuring a flavorful thyme and fresh herb crust, tender whole chicken, and a burst of citrus from lemon zest. Perfect for a memorable family dinner!

  • 05 May 2024
  • Cook time 95 min
  • Prep time 75 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 10 Ingredients

Salt-crusted baked chicken

Salt-crusted baked chicken is a unique and flavorful dish where the chicken is encased in a salt dough crust, ensuring it remains moist and fragrant. The herbs and buttery mixture infuse the chicken with rich flavors, making it a memorable meal. Follow this recipe to create a delicious salt-crusted baked chicken.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
500g
1 tsp fresh thyme
5g
2 egg whites
63g
1 cup water
250g
1/3 cup olive oil
80g
3 lb whole chicken
1360g
1/2 cup butter
110g
1/4 cup fresh parsley
16g
1 tsp tarragon (estragon)
5g
2 tbsp lemon zest
30g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Salt Crust Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp of fresh thyme.
- Add the 2 egg whites, 1 cup of water, and 1/3 cup of olive oil to the flour mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and pliable.

3. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley, 1 tsp of tarragon, and 2 tbsp of lemon zest until well combined.
- Carefully lift the skin of the chicken breast and legs, and spread the herb butter mixture evenly under the skin. This will ensure the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
4. Wrap the Chicken:
- Roll out the prepared dough on a floured surface into a large circle or rectangle, big enough to completely encase the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the center of the rolled-out dough.
- Carefully wrap the dough around the chicken, pressing the edges to seal completely.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the dough-wrapped chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 75-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
6. Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven.
- Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Carefully crack open the salt crust with a knife or kitchen shears and remove the chicken from the shell.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, carve, and enjoy!

Tips:

- Make sure the dough completely covers the chicken to prevent moisture from escaping during baking.

- Use fresh herbs if possible, as they bring a more vibrant flavor to the dish.

- Be cautious when adding salt to the herb butter, as the salt crust will already impart a significant amount of saltiness to the chicken.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before cracking the salt crust open to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

- For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding garlic cloves or sliced onions inside the cavity of the chicken before encasing it in the salt dough.

By following these steps, you can create a perfectly seasoned and moist salt-crusted baked chicken that will impress your family and guests. The aromatic herbs and butter enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, making it a decadent and satisfying dish.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size600 grams
Energy
Calories 1690kcal68%
Protein
Protein 110g70%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 99g27%
Fiber 4.05g11%
Sugar 0.65g1%
Fat
Fat 120g136%
Saturated 36g118%
Cholesterol 360mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 580ug65%
Choline 230mg42%
Vitamin B1 0.59mg49%
Vitamin B2 0.73mg56%
Vitamin B3 24mg155%
Vitamin B6 1.03mg60%
Vitamin B9 54ug14%
Vitamin B12 0.93ug39%
Vitamin C 4.99mg6%
Vitamin E 1.02mg7%
Vitamin K 80ug67%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 120mg9%
Copper, Cu 0.54mg0%
Iron, Fe 7mg60%
Magnesium, Mg 120mg28%
Phosphorus, P 700mg56%
Potassium, K 1000mg29%
Selenium, Se 100ug190%
Sodium, Na 330mg22%
Zinc, Zn 9mg83%
Water
Water 280g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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