FETA-BRINED ROAST CHICKEN
Brining a chicken before roasting can make for a particularly juicy, tender bird. Using feta in the brine adds a complex and earthy flavor to the mix. Don't skip the step of taking the chicken out of the brine an hour before cooking. This allows the bird to come to room temperature and dries it out a bit, which helps crisp the skin. This recipe calls for a lot of black pepper, and if you like a spicy bite, don't afraid to go for the full 2 tablespoons. Or bring the amount down for something milder. In either case, do grind it yourself; the pre-ground stuff is missing all the essential oils that give freshly ground black pepper its woodsy, floral notes. Roasted potatoes make an excellent side dish.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories dinner, weeknight, roasts, main course
Time 10h30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- The day before serving, combine 2 ounces feta, 2 teaspoons salt and 4 cups water in a blender and blend until smooth. Put chicken in an extra-large resealable plastic bag or a container large enough to submerge chicken, and cover with the feta brine. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Before cooking, remove chicken from brine and transfer to a towel-lined tray. (Discard brine.) Pat chicken dry with paper towels and allow to come to room temperature for 1 hour.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, the pepper, the oregano and the zest of the lemons (about 1 tablespoon). Liberally cover chicken in herb mix and gently massage entire bird. Halve lemons and place 3 halves in cavity (save remaining half for serving). Using kitchen twine, tie legs together.
- Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place a large ovenproof skillet over high heat. Add oil and heat until it just smokes. Place chicken, breast-side up, in pan. Transfer entire pan to oven. Cook, basting once or twice, until juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife, 50 to 60 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven, then stir remaining crumbled feta into juices in pan and stir well. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing and serving on a bed of greens, with feta-laced pan juices on top, drizzled with a little lemon juice from the reserved lemon half.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 841, UnsaturatedFat 40 grams, Carbohydrate 8 grams, Fat 63 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 59 grams, SaturatedFat 19 grams, Sodium 1184 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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PATEL UG
[email protected]I made this recipe for a dinner party and it was a huge hit. The chicken was incredibly flavorful and juicy, and the feta brine gave it a unique flavor that everyone loved. I will definitely be making this again!
mahabub Munshi
[email protected]This recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover. The feta brine adds a delicious tanginess to the chicken that is sure to please. The chicken is also very juicy and tender. I highly recommend this recipe!
Nisar Ahmed
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a hit. The chicken is so moist and flavorful, and the feta brine gives it a really unique flavor. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Hamad ali Hamad ali
[email protected]This is a great recipe if you're looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make roasted chicken. The feta brine adds a nice depth of flavor and the chicken is always juicy and tender. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Jutt Ggg
[email protected]I'm always looking for new ways to cook chicken, and this recipe definitely didn't disappoint. The feta brine gave the chicken a unique flavor that I really enjoyed. I would definitely make this again.
Aliyan sultan
[email protected]This was a great recipe! The chicken was very flavorful and juicy. The feta brine added a nice touch of tanginess. I would definitely make this again.
Sany 92
[email protected]I made this recipe for dinner last night and it was a huge success. The chicken was moist and tender, and the feta brine gave it a delicious flavor. My family loved it! I will definitely be making this again.
Amar shaidahie
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was incredibly juicy and flavorful. I loved the crispy skin and the feta brine added a unique flavor that I really enjoyed. I'll definitely be making this again.
Md Obaidu
[email protected]I love this recipe! It's so easy to make and the chicken always turns out perfect. I've made it several times now and it's always a hit with my family and friends.
Nasier Khan
[email protected]This is one of the best roasted chickens I've ever had. The feta brine really makes a difference. The chicken is so tender and juicy, and the skin is crispy and flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe!
NAKATO FAITH
[email protected]I was a bit skeptical about using feta brine to roast a chicken, but I'm so glad I tried it. The chicken turned out amazing! It was moist and flavorful, with a perfectly crispy skin. I'll definitely be using this recipe again.
Akhere Favour
[email protected]This recipe is a game-changer! The feta brine adds a depth of flavor to the chicken that I've never tasted before. The chicken was juicy, tender, and had a crispy skin. It was a hit with my family and friends. Will definitely be making this again!