To be clear, I have nothing against turkey; I was just hoping to make a roast chicken dish for those who enjoy it. Alternatively, for those who are throwing a small family Thanksgiving, a small gathering of two, or even a group of twenty people who require an additional protein. Plus, with turkey shortages this year, there will be fewer options for the big bird and higher prices. Chicken it is!.
This recipe for Thanksgiving chicken was influenced by the glazed and spiced turkey from Bon Appetit’s Making Perfect YouTube series, which is now several years old. While I changed the main ingredient and occasionally adjusted the quantities, I didn’t alter the flavors or the cooking technique that BA’s expert test kitchen editors perfected. It turns out that the ideal Thanksgiving turkey can also be the ideal Thanksgiving chicken, if you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken taste like turkey.
Move over, turkey, there’s a new bird in town – and it’s bringing a whole lot of flavor and ease to your Friendsgiving table That’s right, we’re talking about the mighty chicken, and here’s why it deserves to be the star of your festive gathering.
Less is More: The Case for Chicken over Turkey
Let’s face it turkey can be a logistical nightmare. It’s big, it’s cumbersome and it often ends up dry and disappointing. Chicken, on the other hand, is the epitome of culinary convenience.
- Size Matters: Chickens are significantly smaller than turkeys, making them a perfect fit for smaller gatherings. No more wrestling with a gargantuan bird or facing mountains of leftovers.
- Time Crunch? No Problem: Roasting a chicken takes a fraction of the time it takes to cook a turkey. This means more time to focus on those delectable side dishes and, of course, enjoying quality time with your friends.
- Stress-Free Cooking: Forget the anxieties of overcooked breasts and undercooked thighs. Chicken cooks evenly, ensuring juicy, flavorful results every time.
- Flavor Fiesta: Chicken boasts a naturally delicious taste and a perfect skin-to-meat ratio, guaranteeing crispy, golden goodness in every bite.
Beyond the Bird: The Allure of Chicken
But the benefits of choosing chicken go far beyond its practicality.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Let’s be honest, most people prefer the taste of chicken over turkey. It’s just more versatile and universally loved.
- Leftover Magic: Chicken leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving. From delectable salads and sandwiches to flavorful soups and tacos, the possibilities are endless.
- A Celebration of Friendship: Friendsgiving is about celebrating the people you cherish, not about adhering to tradition. Show your friends you care by serving a delicious and stress-free meal that’s all about good times and good company.
So, would your guests notice if you served a big chicken instead of a turkey?
Absolutely! But not in a negative way. They’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delicious change of pace, the juicy, flavorful chicken, and the extra time and space for enjoying each other’s company.
Ready to embrace the chicken revolution? Check out our easy and foolproof recipe for No-Fail Roast Chicken with Lemon and Garlic – it’s guaranteed to make your Friendsgiving a culinary triumph.
Remember, Friendsgiving is about celebrating your loved ones, not about culinary expectations. So, break free from the turkey tradition, embrace the deliciousness of chicken, and create a memorable gathering filled with laughter, good food, and even better company.
Let’s make Thanksgiving Roast Chicken
First, cut the chicken into five pieces. This is just like carving the bird, but it hasn’t been cooked yet. A friendly butcher will do this for you, or you can buy a bird already broken into parts (Farmer Focus makes one). Roasting the chicken in parts, rather than whole, allows it to cook more evenly. Plus, it means the whole carving part is already done before the bird is even cooked and the chicken cooks in under an hour. Imagine Thanksgiving dinner done and on the table in roughly 60 minutes?
Apply the dry brine to the chicken after it has been prepared. This is a mixture of salt and spices that, when applied to the entire bird and allowed to sit overnight, flavors the chicken all the way down to the bone. Seasoning chicken just before cooking will flavor the skin, but not the meat underneath. The brine is a blend of pepper, smoked paprika, onion, garlic, and light brown sugar that is ever so sweet, spicy, and slightly smoky. Total flavor bomb!.
Finally, drizzling the dry-brined chicken with oil instead of butter creates the shiniest, crackliest, crispiest skin. Unlike oil, butter contains moisture that can prevent browning. Additionally, oil has a higher smoke point than butter, so you can increase the heat significantly (essential for crispy skin) without having to worry about scorching the bird.
While Bon Appetit’s turkey may be ideal, there’s certainly cause for gratitude when it comes to a chicken that can feed a large gathering or a small family in less than an hour.
Chicken replaces turkey for Thanksgiving
FAQ
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