Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that promises to be the star of your table? Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly roasted, golden-brown chicken that is not only juicy but bursting with flavor. Our Moist Buttermilk Whole Chicken recipe is your ticket to culinary success, transforming an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and a simple marinade that infuses the chicken with deliciousness, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook looking to impress. Read on to discover the secrets to achieving the ultimate roast chicken experience!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the whole chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or deep dish, and pour the buttermilk marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is completely covered. Seal or cover and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet, breast side up. Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to promote even cooking.
- Rub the exterior of the chicken with additional olive oil and sprinkle with extra salt and pepper for enhanced flavor and crispy skin.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot with your preferred side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Bring the Chicken to Room Temperature: Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
- Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken in the buttermilk mixture for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it, making every bite a delight.
- Dry the Chicken Well: After marinating, be sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin when roasting, as moisture can create steam and prevent browning.
- Truss for Even Cooking: Use kitchen twine to truss the chicken legs together. This technique ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its shape, resulting in a beautifully presented dish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures that your chicken is safe to eat and juicy.
- Let it Rest: After roasting, allow the chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is as moist and tender as possible.
- Pair with the Right Sides: Serve your roast chicken with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 114mg