How long does it take for a 3.5 lb chicken to defrost in the fridge? Also, how do I know if I have to remove anything inside?
I'm new to the whole roasted chicken game. I got a couple 'roaster chickens' from the farmers market and I was hoping for some tips on what I need to do to the chicken before I roast it (or instant pot cook). I mainly just want the chicken to be moist and juicy to add to lunch bowls etc...
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The "new" way is not to rinse the chicken, but I have been rinsing for the past 50 or so years, and I'm not stopping now. No one has ever gotten sick. But dry it thoroughly, inside and out! This is my favorite roast chicken recipe. I've been making it and teaching it for ever, and it always gets raves. https://food52.com/recipes/3401-perfect-roast-chicken There are lots of tips in that recipe, too.
Don't rinse the raw chicken in water (this spreads bacteria)
Look in the cavity, where you'll sometimes find a bag of innards...remove & can be used to make soup or gravy. Don't roast with them inside (I did this first time out...what a disaster!)
Some people truss or tie the bird, others cut it flat (called splayed or spatchcock).
Good to put a cut onion or lemon in the cavity when roasting...helps give flavor.
Use and make a good basic roast chicken recipe. There are many. Two favorites - by Michael Ruhlman, and Judy Rogers (late chef and restaurant owner in San Francisco).
Use the carcass of bones and bits of meat to make soup. Get every last bit of goodness out of that bird.