This Dutch Oven Chicken is a flexible and quick meal option that is crispy on the exterior and juicy on the inside! The entire roasted chicken is seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, which goes well with potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Your Sunday dinner will be a hit with this very easy and savory comfort meal!
RECOMMENDED DUTCH OVEN COOKBOOK
[amazon box=”0762778083″ template=”horizontal”]
Chicken Roasted In A Dutch Oven
Even in a Dutch oven, it’s possible to roast a whole chicken. The Dutch oven handles the rest of the job for you by preparing the chicken in roughly 20 minutes. A tasty and hearty home-cooked meal may be created in a jiffy!
15.5 qt dutch ovens
[amazon box=”B00B4UOZQU” template=”horizontal”]
Table of Contents
What Makes a Dutch Oven Different?
You may use a dutch oven for anything from chili to pot roast, as well as fried chicken and dumplings, in your kitchen. The hefty pot may even be used to bake a loaf of bread!
For roasting a chicken, a Dutch oven is ideal because of its distinctive form and the amount of versatility it offers. This is because cast iron is used to make dutch ovens, which hold and distribute heat evenly. In addition, the tight-fitting cover makes two-step cooking possible. When you use a tight-fitting cover, you get the moistest roast chicken you’ve ever had.
This is followed by a dry roast that crisps the skin and provides that golden brown exterior at the conclusion of cooking time. With a Dutch Oven Chicken, you get the best of both worlds: moist, succulent flesh and crispy skin. No more burnt or dried-out white meat!
Tips For The Perfect Chicken Roasting
- Before roasting, let the chicken to come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to achieve an equal cooking process.
- The amount of time it takes to cook a chicken depends on the entire weight of the bird. When in doubt about whether or not your meat is cooked through, always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature within the flesh.
- The bird should be trussed. Tying the chicken legs together and tucking the wings beneath helps the chicken cook more evenly, and it just takes a few seconds.
- Use a lot of seasoning. Salt and pepper to your heart’s content. This is a large piece of meat, so you’ll want to use a lot of spice on both the interior and exterior of the bird to get the most out of it.
- Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting for the tastiest flesh.
- Avoid omitting butter from the recipe. By brushing it on the outside, the butter ensures a crispy, golden brown surface and delicious taste.
- Fresh herbs may be used as a garnish shortly before serving.
A Whole Chicken Needs What Size Dutch Oven?
A dutch oven size recommendation with a capacity of at least 5-6 quart dutch ovens is required. If you want to cook more potatoes or veggies, you may use a dutch ovens 7 qt, which works well.
Cooking time for a chicken in a Dutch oven
Roasting a complete 5 litre dutch ovens. chicken in a Dutch oven at two different temperatures is done using this approach.
The first step is to cook the chicken at 380 degrees F for 50 minutes with the cover on the pot.
To finish the chicken, remove the cover, raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees F, and roast the chicken for another 15-20 minutes before serving.
When it comes to the entire cooking time, it all depends on the size and temperature of the chicken you’re using. Using a smaller 3-4 pound chicken, reduce the first stage cooking time to 45 minutes at 375 degrees F. Continue roasting at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is cooked through.
Chicken In A Dutch Oven How To Cook
It will take some time for the chicken to warm up and roast in the oven, so plan on around 20 minutes of hands-on prep time for this dish. Easy, tasty, and the scent of your kitchen will be intoxicating while it cooks!
Crispy French Oven Chicken Ingredients
- In-tact poultry
- S&P Kosher salt and pepper
- Onion
- Celery
- Thyme fresh
- Garlic
- Butter
- Fresh rosemary
- Olive oil
First, prepare the chicken.
Stuff the chicken’s cavity with onion and celery, as well as thyme, rosemary, and garlic before roasting. Chicken should be placed in the Dutch oven with its breast side up and the legs tied together. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle or brush with melted butter.
Second, roast covered
At 380 degrees Fahrenheit, roast the chicken for 50 minutes with the lid on.
Variations
- In a Dutch oven, brown the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink in the center.
- Add veggies to the bottom of the Dutch oven, such as butternut squash or root vegetables like onions, carrots, or turnips, to make a one-pot feast.
- To add a zesty citrus taste to your chicken, stuff the cavity with lemon wedges.
- In addition to the rosemary and thyme, add fresh basil or parsley to the dish.
Third, roast without covering
Continue roasting the chicken until the skin is crispy and the flesh is cooked through, about 20 minutes longer at 450 degrees F.
At least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, a meat thermometer put into the inner thigh of a whole chicken is considered done (74 degrees C). It is important to note that the meat’s temperature will continue to rise somewhat after it is taken out of the oven, so even if the thermometer reads a few degrees below 165, I normally bring it out of the oven.
Forth, Rest
Remove the chicken to a chopping board or other serving plate and cut it into serving pieces. Before cutting and serving, let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes.
Roasted Dutch Chicken: What To Serve With It?
Sunday dinner can’t be complete without a crispy roasted chicken. Choose from any of your family’s favorites to accompany the succulent meat:
- Pumpkin Muffins or Bread
- Broccoli roasted in a pan
- Applesauce cooked from scratch.
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Bacon with Brussels Sprouts.
- Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette is the dressing of choice for this salad
- Corn on the Cob
- Cabbage Roasted
- Baked Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes are two of the most popular options.
- Buttermilk Biscuits from the South
- Sweet Potato Mashed
- Cornbread or Corn Muffins in a skillet
Storage
Refrigerated chicken may be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months. However, keep in mind that the skin will not be as crispy when thawed out.
Re-Cooling
Ensure that the chicken is at room temperature for at least half an hour before cooking. The oven should be preheated at 350 degrees F. Chicken should be placed on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan, then baked until the skin is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The chicken will dry out if you leave it in the oven for too long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How is chicken made so crispy in restaurants?
It’s probably not the best idea to take a bite out of a piece of chicken as soon as it comes out of the fryer. The chicken is placed in an oven that has been preheated to 175 degrees and “held” there for around 20 minutes. This enables the chicken to complete cooking while still maintaining its warm temperature and crisp exterior.
Q: What are some delicious chicken recipes I can make in a Dutch oven?
A: There are numerous mouthwatering chicken recipes you can make in a Dutch oven. Here are a few popular ones:
· Dutch Oven Roasted Chicken: A classic roast chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat. Season the chicken with herbs, spices, and roast it in the Dutch oven until golden and cooked through.
· Chicken Cacciatore: A flavorful Italian dish made with chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and herbs. The Dutch oven helps simmer the chicken in a rich sauce, resulting in tender and delicious flavors.
· Coq au Vin: A French braised chicken dish cooked with red wine, mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The Dutch oven helps to slow-cook the chicken, infusing it with rich flavors.
· Chicken and Rice: A one-pot meal where chicken and rice are cooked together with vegetables and spices in the Dutch oven. This results in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
· Moroccan Chicken Tagine: A fragrant and spiced chicken stew with vegetables, dried fruits, and Moroccan spices. The Dutch oven can replicate the slow-cooking effect of a traditional tagine pot.
Q: How long does it take to cook a whole chicken in a Dutch oven?
A: The cooking time for a whole chicken in a Dutch oven depends on its size and the temperature you’re using. As a general guideline, you can roast a whole chicken in a Dutch oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: Can I use a Dutch oven to fry chicken?
A: Yes, you can use a Dutch oven for frying chicken. The Dutch oven’s deep sides and excellent heat retention make it suitable for deep-frying. Fill the Dutch oven with enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces, and heat the oil to the desired temperature (usually around 350°F or 175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry them until golden brown and cooked through, typically for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Q: Can I make chicken soup in a Dutch oven?
A: Absolutely! Dutch ovens are great for making chicken soup. Simply combine chicken, vegetables, herbs, and broth in the Dutch oven, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well developed. The Dutch oven’s even heat distribution ensures that the soup simmers gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Q: Can I use a Dutch oven to make chicken pot pie?
A: Yes, you can use a Dutch oven to make chicken pot pie. Cook the chicken and vegetables in the Dutch oven, make a creamy sauce, and then top it with a layer of pie crust or puff pastry. Place the Dutch oven in the oven and bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in Dutch oven recipes?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in Dutch oven recipes. Keep in mind that boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook faster than bone-in, skin-on chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent the chicken from becoming overcooked and dry. It’s recommended to sear the chicken breasts first in the Dutch oven and then continue cooking them with other ingredients or in a sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
Q: How do I achieve crispy skin on a whole chicken cooked in a Dutch oven?
A: To achieve crispy skin on a whole chicken cooked in a Dutch oven, follow these steps:
· Start with dry chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture on the skin can hinder crisping.
· Season the chicken: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. You can also rub butter or oil on the skin for added crispness.
· Preheat the Dutch oven: Preheat the Dutch oven in the oven at a high temperature, such as 425°F (220°C), for about 15 minutes. The preheated pot helps to jumpstart the browning process.
· Sear the chicken: Heat some oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Place the chicken in the pot, skin side down, and sear it until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy. This step creates a crispy exterior.
· Roast in the oven: Transfer the Dutch oven with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, typically around 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This allows the chicken to cook through while maintaining the crispiness of the skin.
Q: What are some tips for making tender and juicy chicken in a Dutch oven?
A: To make tender and juicy chicken in a Dutch oven, consider these tips:
· Choose bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken, such as chicken thighs or drumsticks, tends to be juicier and more flavorful compared to boneless cuts. The bones help retain moisture during cooking.
· Properly season the chicken: Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Let it marinate for some time to enhance the flavors.
· Sear the chicken: Searing the chicken in a hot Dutch oven before braising or roasting helps seal in the juices and adds additional flavor. This step creates a nice caramelized exterior.
· Use a flavorful cooking liquid: Adding a flavorful cooking liquid, such as broth, wine, or a combination of spices and herbs, helps infuse the chicken with extra moisture and flavor during the cooking process.
· Cook at a low temperature: For braising or slow-cooking, cook the chicken at a low temperature, around 300-325°F (150-165°C). This allows the chicken to cook gently and slowly, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
· Keep the lid on: When braising or roasting, keep the lid on the Dutch oven to trap steam and prevent moisture from evaporating. This helps to maintain a moist cooking environment.
Q: Can I make chicken curry in a Dutch oven?
A: Yes, you can make chicken curry in a Dutch oven. Sauté the chicken, onions, and spices in the Dutch oven, then add in the curry paste or powder, along with other ingredients like coconut milk and vegetables. Simmer the curry in the Dutch oven until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. The Dutch oven’s heat retention and even heat distribution will ensure a flavorful and well-cooked chicken curry.
Q: Can I use a Dutch oven to make BBQ chicken?
A: Yes, you can use a Dutch oven to make BBQ chicken. Start by searing the chicken in the Dutch oven to develop a nice crust. Then, add your preferred BBQ sauce and any additional seasonings or ingredients. Place the Dutch oven in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened and caramelized. The Dutch oven will help infuse the chicken with BBQ flavors and keep it.
The Bottom Line
You may use the shredded meat to make casseroles, soups, filled potatoes, enchiladas, Southern Chicken Salad, or Caesar Salad using the cooked chicken that you have left over after cooking it. A plethora of delectable choices!