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Crispy Dry Brine Chicken Overnight Recipe for Juicy Flavorful Meat

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This recipe uses a dry brine method applied overnight to produce a roast chicken with irresistibly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time make it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds / 1.8 to 2.3 kg), preferably organic or free-range
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (about 18 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (about 2 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, about 3 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (about 30 ml)
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter (optional, about 28 grams)

Instructions

  1. Remove giblets from the chicken cavity if included and pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine coarse sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and lemon zest if using.
  3. Rub the salt and herb mixture evenly all over the chicken, including inside the cavity and under the skin if possible. Rub softened butter under the skin if using.
  4. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking wing tips under the body.
  5. Place the chicken breast-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered overnight or at least 8 hours.
  6. Remove the chicken from the fridge about 30 minutes before roasting to come to room temperature.
  7. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  9. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin. The overnight dry brine deeply seasons the meat and dries the skin for crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the chicken rest after roasting to lock in juices. If skin browns too fast, tent with foil. For dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: dry brine chicken, roast chicken, crispy chicken skin, overnight chicken, easy chicken recipe, juicy roast chicken, simple chicken dinner

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/crispy-dry-brine-chicken-overnight-recipe-for-juicy-flavorful-meat/