How to Properly Roast a Chicken | Kenji's Cooking Show

A perfect roast chicken is one of the great culinary pleasures. Here's a good way to do it if you want breasts so juicy you'll fight for them.
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Here's Daniel Gritzer's excellent article and recipe for perfect roast chicken on Serious Eats: www.seriouseats.com/perfect-r...
Here's my old Cook's Illustrated chicken roasting method: www.americastestkitchen.com/c...
Here's my spatchcock chicken article and recipe: www.seriouseats.com/butterfli...

[@eatprayglove]

Official puncture count: Right thigh - 38 Right breast - 25 Left breast - 23 Left thigh - 42

[@hw8319]

Can someone please double check the numbers?

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

Thank you for your service.

[@sarhan_]

@@JKenjiLopezAltI saw almost the same technique used by Adam ragusea too

[@koskettaja609]

I poked too many holes, do I throw the chicken away?

[@user-vs8mf4fr7d]

@@koskettaja609 NO! A dog could eat it from the trash, and too many holes makes it poisonous!

[@phillymct]

Back skin? Chef's treat. Bits of fond? Chef's treat. Oyster? Chef's treat. The thigh, breast, and wings? Believe it or not, also chef's treat.

[@matt1fat]

I honestly thought you said “you have to trust your chicken”, which makes sense because you should always trust the bird you’re about to eat. It was only when I saw the string that I realised.

[@michaeld387]

One of the things this channel brings that others don’t is the tricks of the trade that aren’t even mentioned in the video. Like in this one where the butcher’s twine being pulled from a closed drawer or previously when Kenji cut cherry tomatoes with the lid of a deli container. That’s the stuff I look for: things that make my life easier that only come from working in a professional setting for years.

[@beshman]

For sure but, to be fair, Joshua Weissman made a video of 100 professional kitchen hacks a few months ago.

[@willmitchell8500]

@@beshmanputting it the nicest way I can: Weissmans presentation is truly not for everyone.

[@geminigabe_]

Absolutely right. It’s the things he does while cooking it, that I pick up on and start to do myself when I cook. The way he does it just brings so much enjoyment to cooking when I try myself.

[@beshman]

@@willmitchell8500 Agreed.

[@StefanTmuc]

Or like crisping the main filling for a taco in a skillet and just resting the tortilla on top of it while the protein browns, which also softens and warms the tortilla. It's the little things, like not stressing over whether my tortilla is warm and flexible enough and constantly dashing to and from the microwave, that make cooking more enjoyable

[@dimasnaufalpratama4812]

I love when kenji comes back from the future to correct the chicken roast timeline. Truly greatest moment in cooking history!

[@tonics7121]

Kenji is just naturally a teacher. Lucky us! He enjoys sharing information, not a universal trait. Smile.

[@bdes1143]

I just finished dinner with my wife and kid and they say this is the best roast chicken I've ever done! Thank you J. Kenji for helping us good cooks become better.

[@numrii]

Just bought myself the Food lab for christmas after eyeing it for years, i never realized how PACKED full of information it is, looking forward to reading it thank you Kenji! :)

[@nicoskefalas]

I wish I gotten that book as a gift one day 😂

[@Dan82Aussie]

Did the same thing. My copy hasn't arrived yet. I'm hoping it arrives before Christmas to help me prepare Christmas lunch. 🤞

[@nicoskefalas]

@@Dan82Aussie lucky duck!

[@BigDogChannel]

OK, I just roasted a chicken using this method. It is pure genius. Best chicken I've ever roasted. I'll never do it any other way from now on. Thanks!

[@jgjones28]

I know how to roast a good chicken. Having said that, this is one of the best videos I’ve seen on this channel in a while now. Lots of pro tips that will improve my skills and also doesn’t require any fuss/special equipment. Nice work Kenji!

[@bibelwalker]

Kenji is a real G. Dude must be worth alot with all the experience, books and wotnot. Yet, here he is, teaching us simple homecooks everything he knows, making it fun to watch in the process and actually explaining why he does what he does. You can tell how much passion goes into every video, by the constant smile he wears. This man is a treasure!

[@southfork40]

Kenji, when you are trying to describe how brown you are going for, my suggestion is to refer to that wood lid on your stove. It has a range of brown shades you can pick from.

[@stevekoutros9358]

The Food Lab is an outstanding addition to any cooking library! Love the running monologue! "splay the chicken pornographically."

[@JohnHausser]

Cooking Bible 👨‍🍳

[@mortenjensen2457]

I love your cooking and your videos Kenji. Thank you so much for taking the time to make them.

[@theMrbandgeek19]

Have made this twice now for different groups and have had stellar results! Great video!

[@mimimacke-op6xe]

After 50+years in the kitchen i now know how to really make roast chicken. Grateful.

[@cadegibbs8174]

I’ve literally been planning to try roasting a chicken here in the next week or so. Impeccable timing. Thank you Kenji!

[@quick9smitty511]

Love your instructions. They always work exactly as described, and always a hit with guests. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@jaimechristley]

I've been roasting chickens for maybe 10 years and I thought I had my routine down pat but this video will add several new steps to it and I think the change will be permanent.

[@ReubenNinan]

Thank you for your work in the food world! You have inspired and taught countless, including me. I am very grateful for you Kenji :)

[@bendosia]

Great video, thank you so much for the quality content you put out for us!

[@MegaZoobs]

For a couple years I watched every video as they were released. Somewhere along the way I stopped. Well, I’m back baby!! Great video!

[@davidweddle4923]

Thanks, Kenji. I'm personally a fan of spatchcocking, but it is good to know about this other method of roasting a chicken whole.

[@sarahrock4846]

Wow! I was just looking for roast chicken recipes. 👍 Perfect timing!

[@kings-bay-2902]

Hi Kenji , just ordered Food Lab , going to roast a chicken tomorrow just like the video ..great information thank you !

[@erikk6466]

Keeping the twine in the cabinet and using that as a feeder is so smart. I've learned so many random tricks from you!

[@erikarnald419]

The greatest cooking channel on the internet.

[@WhatsInAName222]

I followed this technique to the letter and probably made the most perfect roast chicken of my life. I used garlic salt + pepper for the initial seasoning and that was sufficient. Next time I’ll try adding something else (paprika, tandoori seasoning) but I’m not sure if those spices will end up getting burnt , so I might just dust the chicken with them around the 75% mark. Thanks a lot Kenji. Your step by step instructions were easy and the results were excellent.

[@averagezing]

Looking forward to watching this! My toaster oven has a rotisserie function and I'm hoping this is applicable to it.

[@jessicalawson1417]

Loved this video, your techniques have been invaluable to me, the egg section of Food Lab alone was a game changer.

[@PWCDN]

this guy is the real deal. amazing teacher

[@bravogolfnovember]

Kenji such a likable dude man. Great video on this often poorly made bird!

[@Billy123bobzzz]

Awesome! You always deliver the best coking techniques!

[@Ryousake]

WOW! You make this so approachable! I've been interested in roasting chicken as of late and now I feel I could absolutely do it! Thank you for making this easy to understand and accomplish for amateurs like me. :D I know that would taste incredible!

[@xmrgx]

Hi Kenji! Followed your recipe for Christmas and it was a huge success. First time we've done a whole chicken by ourselves and it was perfect. Thank you so much for the work that you do ❤ Merry Xmas from our brazilian family in the Netherlands to yours!

[@oliviafran98]

Kenji, could you do a gift guide for a person who loves to cook?

[@jon200y]

I've been tried to tackle roast chicken for a while. FYI the books are phenomenal !!!

[@jpalarchio]

Great looking roasted chicken. Really insightful video full of great tips, appreciate all the content.

[@Domepeezy]

Kenji is the man

[@alpacapella5873]

Immediately went and added that Combustion Inc thermometer to my Christmas wish list! Never thought I’d get this excited about something like a thermometer….

[@TaterFriez]

Hi Kenji, recipe looks amazing and can’t wait to try it as is. Do you think the various roasting techniques would pair nicely with a buttermilk brined chicken as well?

[@AbeAlSaleh]

Used this method for our christmas chicken. Turned out wonderfully.

[@ryanbonner25]

nice new cooker kenji! always loved your videos!

[@John-wm8mv]

First off, Kenji you have heavily influenced my cooking and made me enjoy the world of cooking and putting smiles on the faces of friends and family. I will be purchasing your cookbook soon! Thank you! Could we set a bed of mirapoix underneath the chicken and use the fats to make gravy as well after the roasting process?

[@samowings8175]

I love that you posted this a little before @FrenchGuyCooking posts his rotisserie chicken series.

[@nicoskefalas]

Hey Kenji! Love your content! I learn so much from you! I tried many roasted chicken recipes but I am intrigued to try this one! Thank you for your marvellous content! *Edit I just finished watching and Kenji I agree with you, properly cooked chicken breast is phenomenal!

[@jebussbf]

this was an amazing transfer of knowledge

[@jacobmudd8024]

The biggest tip I give anybody who is an average home cook. (Same as what Kenji says halfway through) when you roast a chicken or turkey, get the outside of the bird as dry as possible on the outside, and optimally, dry it out uncovered in the fridge. You get a very pretty brown bird by the time you are done.

[@NigelTufnel612]

He mentioned this point at 10:14

[@darren8269]

Looks wonderful. I'm going to give it a go. Thanks heaps!

[@stevenjacobs2750]

Every night is pizza night is so wonderful! Grabbed it as a gift and im so excited to make the pizza recipe with the recipient ^.^

[@alan-zm5ur]

6 am upload times are nice for my wack sleeping schedule

[@zindobd]

Great vid as always. I can't seem to get the roast chicker right no matter what I try. That's probably at least in part, because all the chicken I can get are 100% water cooled. What is the knife you have been using in the recent vids?

[@ChefChrisDay]

An excellent and different technique for roasting a yard bird!

[@mrkingsudo]

Thank you for validating the importance of Chef treats! Confession time: no oyster makes it to the table when I prep a whole chicken lol. Great video! Do you have a recommendation for a really good in-oven probe thermometer? I looked at the Combustion you mentioned, but $200 is a hell of a price point.

[@tahursh637]

Awesome! Thank you for the video!

[@soulkalamity3332]

Adam Ragusea did this very same technique a couple of years ago and I’ve been using it ever since. Glad more chefs are coming around to the idea…

[@THEGREATAPPLEFIRE]

Pretty sure Adam references Kenji as the source for the method - if not, he's definitely inspired by Food Lab. I agree though, I also first heard of it through Adam's video and its yet to give me anything but a great roast chicken!

[@dawgcatcha1907]

Thank you Kenji!!!!! I’m gonna get my chicky salted and on a rack tonight!

[@d.fremlin2354]

Really loving your wok and food lab books! Thanks for all the in depth learning. Curious what model toaster oven is that? I see a number of different sizes on the breville website.

[@0ussama01]

Hey Kenji what toaster oven are you using ? and what budget ones would you recommend ?

[@CrystalPrestonWatson]

You're my favorite cooking channel because you show elevated cooking in a realistic kitchen. Many of your viewers would have a similar set up so your recipes and techniques aren't intimidating to want to try.

[@Defort-jd8xe]

the salting and leaving it for a day was a game changer for me back in the day

[@glenncain]

just made this for dinner just now and followed the instructions aside from forgetting to poke my knife at the bottom, making holes, basting before going in the oven, and overshooting the temperature a little bit coz i don't own a wireless probe yet, but still fantastic when stuffed with lemon. helps a little more that i used the pan juice which had paprika from my paprika cabbage to got with butter and cream. it's my wife's new favourite

[@lisathaviu1154]

I love to make roast chicken. The best moment of this for me is when he keeps picking stuff off the chicken and tasting it. That’s how you know that it’s really good.

[@holidayarmadillo8653]

Kenny you never disappoint and you are an inspiration. Thank you for being you

[@satanismybrother]

Kenny? How familiar!!

[@ArmandoJF33]

Just bought a rotisserie chicken from Publix a couple of days ago. Now I can make it at home.

[@ewrooney]

@7:20. 🤣 I’m going to add this phrase to my everyday lexicon.

[@user-cu5js4kq6r]

Man you're genius chef

[@obiwansama]

Thank you, Kenji.

[@emilletich]

By coincidence I had a salted chicken in my fridge that I was going to spatchcock and cook when you 'dropped' this video. I usually roast mine in a large skillet over a few layers of sliced potatoes that I prep with mandolin. As the chicken roasts it releases its fat down over the potatoes and gives them a good roast as well. I decided to try this whole roast instead and it worked fantastic. I simply roasted the cut up cubed potatoes separately in the fat rendered as you suggested. Both dishes have the same flavor profile, but this was a great method for roasting the bird whole, which is sometimes wanted. How am I still learning new ways to roast poultry after 40 years cooking? BTW, you look amazing! Assuming you didn't have an illness, your videos from 7 months ago, and then 3 months ago (you seem to have a break in between), show such a difference. If you can share any diet tips, I'd appreciate it. Struggling with my love of food at the moment. Lastly, thank you for recommending Harold McGee's book, 'On Food and Cooking.' Just received, and am really enjoying. (I'm in a rambling mood tonight ).

[@MrXerios]

About his diet, pretty sure he said he’s been trying to reduce his portion size. It’s been a while, and I couldn’t find the source video, so I don’t have the context of that.

[@JoshuaLewis-sc2jr]

the chicken turned out incredibly attractive, I think it was also very tasty, thanks for the interesting video

[@saltycat262]

YES! Thank you for this!

[@SoupyTurtle]

Kenji! I’m your biggest fan. Would love to see your rendition of Peking duck. A dish I am so intimidated by, but I know for sure you would do an amazing job showing us the way ❤

[@wideeyedraven15]

Love all the vids, Kenji. I watch them religiously. One thing: check your frame on the tripod or mounted camera shot; I think you thought you had more headroom than you did. Keep up the great work !

[@paulchiappone7298]

I dig the camera angles mixed with the old camera angles (the chef pov)!

[@lindacoffin5110]

Looks so good!

[@seanroberts307]

Way to fire KLO! This will be the next Go To for all roast chickens! Perfect!!

[@treque22]

Incredible video. But I was thinking, I rested a chicken before, and in 20 minutes it was definitely cold. I live in Buenos Aires, when the humidity stays at about 70% and easily gets to 90 95. Do you think that this is making the temp drop faster?

[@devdroid9606]

I use one. I put piece of parchment paper under and running up the side to prevent sticking. Dutch oven also is easier to prop chicken on side and reduces splatter in oven. Radiates heat well but recommend heat it on the stovetop to start.

[@DaMorg3]

Made your Food Lab Spatchcock roast chicken today and I have got to say: it’s good but this looks beautiful and maybe even a bit less fussy.

[@Zelkable]

gravy recipe coming next I hope! best part of a roast chicken

[@ultimatefunktimegroovystan7885]

After using your turkey method of a pizza stone I will do whatever you tell me. Gonna make a chicken this weekend

[@jameslast3192]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@dimasnaufalpratama4812]

Hey kenji, I was wondering what oven brand did you use in this video?

[@kylesala6507]

Kenji I made this for Christmas dinner and someone said “wow, the breast meat is better than the dark meat” and others went on to say it was the best roast chicken they’ve ever had. I forgot to poke the holes initially. I rotate it in my oven every 15 minutes and during the first rotation I noticed very little juice coming out and so I poked the holes at this point and lots of juices came out. I think this negatively impacted the crispyness of the skin because the first time I made this the skin came out better. This cooking method is 🔥

[@Blixtt]

Hey Kenji did you let the chicken set out after removing from fridge to come to room temp?

[@MrDW72]

what is the thermometer called. Never knew we finally made kitchen technology fit for 2023...preditceve time to temp. love it.

[@puddleglum42]

would a similar technique work with a dutch oven?

[@Cactrot]

I did a roast chicken last night (QFC had a bogo on whole chickens) and accidentally put it in the oven upside down, I didn't notice until I started carving but the breast was almost too moist. Everything temped out correctly, is there a downside I'm not aware of to roasting a chicken with the breast down?

[@elliswalters6815]

my favorite cooking videos

[@DaboooogA]

Exellent guide thanks

[@dirkheilbron8758]

Finally someone who, as you call it, names the oyster. That is the tastiest part of the chicken, and yes, it can be eaten as a chef's treat. In the Netherlands we call it the ham. Too few chefs mention this. I have been a poulterer for 13 years and have eaten quite a few hams. My compliments.

[@inuyashaspet]

Would you find any benefit from wet-brining the chicken? Mostly to maintain even more juices.

[@vasmentoles]

Great work! Whats the knife brand/model are you using at the end?

[@believeit17]

I'd love to know what your preferred method is to reheat the chicken before serving!!

[@mattpoland1154]

If you spatchcock and dry brine a chicken, is it worth it to puncture the fat (exactly 23-42 times of course) or make the cuts along the spine? Would that help crisping or dry it out? Thanks!

[@John-ht4xv]

Thanks Kenji!

[@JohnHausser]

Forget the turkey folks ! Make a roast chicken for the holidays 😊🎉 🎄

[@kimwilliams-guillen2801]

Hi Kenji, thank you for your useful video! I raise heritage chickens on pasture, which means that they are about twice as old at butchery (16-20 weeks vs 8 weeks) and much more active. This means that the leg meat get a LOT more exercise during life and can make them trickier to cook. Do you have any thoughts on the modifications you might make to this method, if any, for cooking an older chicken?

[@paullatewksbury]

Great video! How about a video on the roasted potatoes next?

[@jullenaaiers626]

Hey boss, always learn something when your name pops up. Even with content going back years!! A question I have, what suggestions would you have for a Rotisserie chicken? How much of this methodology would transfer over to that style of cooking? I have experimented with a few dry-brined birds (~2 pounders, 3-4 hours with and without sodium nitrite), finally going to leave one overnight to dry brine for the first time…. What else can I be doing with the skin, besides basting towards the end?