Orange Ginger Chicken

Well, you guys know I am from the Caribbean. Thanksgiving the holiday itself is not a part of our holidays.

But since living in the US of A, I've come to love the occasion and the gathering of family.

And the food and all the fixings of stuffings and holiday sides

I know this year's holiday celebrations will be a bit smaller. And I think this ginger orange chicken is just what needs to be a part of this new menu.

We will agree a nice moist roasted meat is always the star of the show at Thanksgiving. And this chicken is just that.

And once you try it you will agree.

Why brine a chicken?

  
In this recipe, I brine my chicken. I mean you really don’t HAVE to, but I highly suggest, for the best, moistest chicken you’ve ever had, BRINE IT!!

Brining helps to tenderize meat that is lean. This helps to make sure that it doesn’t dry out when it is being cooked.

This is the main reason the breast side goes down into the brine.

You don’t want your whole bird to be in the brine for more than 24 hours maximum. While brining, the salt solution permeates the chicken, if left too long it can become too salty.

What is spatchcocking?

   
I sometimes roast chickens whole and I also spatchcock them. To me, the easiest, no-fail way to do it is spatchcock.

When I say I spatchcock a chicken, most people give me a weird face. Then I explain to them the process and I still get a weird face.

The process entails removing the backbone of the meat (chicken or turkey same process) and spreading it out flat to roast.

The result? Juicy, perfectly cooked roasted chicken with nice crispy skin in about an hour for the holiday meals.





Here’s how to get it right

*Make sure the chicken is thawed*. Always make sure there is no ice still in there if you are taken it from frozen. Since this recipe requires a brine first before roasting, 2 or 3 days prior to cooking make sure you take your chicken (if frozen) out.

*Make sure you cut the backbone out*. Not down the middle of the bone but cutting the back panel out. Use some very sharp kitchen shears or a sharp knife with a pointy tip. I usually keep the backbone to make stock.

The chicken needs to be as flat and even as possible. So after you take out the back portion, turn it over and flatten it down. The breast side should now be up. Take your hands, one on each breast, and push down. Depending on the size of the chicken, you might need to push a little harder.

Now that that chicken is spread out and ready we can get it ready for the oven

I get my marinade mixed up and set it aside for a little. No more than 10 minutes.

I use a baking dish that I know can take my now wide chicken.

I love using my Lodge cast-iron casserole pan. If you have a roasting pan that’s flat you can use that. Or even a baking rack.

Just make sure that whatever you use has a lip to catch the marinade and the juices while baking.

Add a little browning to the chicken and brush it with that first to give it a nice help with the color. This is optional.

Brush the marinade onto the chicken. Making sure you get all over. Under the wing. Turn pot around as you brush to make sure everywhere is coated.

  
You don’t use all in this original application. You will need to base it while it’s cooking so make sure you have reserved.

Get your chicken to 165 internal temperature. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check it at the hour.

Or even better if you have a probe thermometer, that you can stick in the chicken and will beep when it meets the required temperature.

When you remove the chicken from the oven, leave it to sit for a little before cutting.

   

Storage/reheating

I don’t think you will have any leftovers with this.

But it can be put into the fridge if you know you are going to eat them soon.

Or store in the freezer for later eating. You can store whole in the freezer or shred prior to freezing.

Shredded leftovers are great to be used for weeknight eating. You can add it to stir fry, soups, and even to pasta dishes.

Or even make burritos or chicken salad.
  

Wondering what to pair this ginger orange chicken with?

Have no fear. I have the perfect options for you.

Just about anything. Any of your favorite sides will be great with this chicken.

  
For Thanksgiving, the side options are endless right?

My top selections for a complete plate would be:

• Stuffing
• MacaroniPie
• Yellow saffron rice
• Callaloo