Guys, I've got a fryer marinating in Penzy's Northwoods Fire seasoning, but I've got a question:
One recipe online actually says to cook the bird breast side DOWN starting at 500 degrees for 15 minutes, 450 for another 15 minutes, and then 425 for 30 minutes. Is that for real? Won't it come out soggy, I want the nice carmelized breast skin.
I was thinking about roasting at 350 for 75 minutes with aluminum over the thing.
Any of you out there with advice, I am cooking it tomorrow (Friday night).
I always start my chickens at high heat for the first 15 and then lower it down to 425. Always come out great. If you dont have a rack you can always crumple some foil and make a ring to set the bird on top of so the heat better circulates around it,but its not necessary. Breast up is best as theres lots of fat there which will self baste the bird and keep it moist as it cooks. Its really easy to roast a chicken. Go for it.
Breast side up will keep the bird from drying out.
There are other ways to keep the bird from drying out: in the Beer Can Chicken recipe (simplyrecipes.com) the breast is neither up nor down
Beer Can Chicken
I have seen variations of this idea that use soda instead of beer, but the basic idea is the same. Provide a source of steam that keeps the inside of the chicken moist while at the same time have all the skin exposed to get it nice and crisp.
Breast side up will keep the bird from drying out.
There are other ways to keep the bird from drying out: in the Beer Can Chicken recipe (simplyrecipes.com) the breast is neither up nor down [att=1] I have seen variations of this idea that use soda instead of beer, but the basic idea is the same. Provide a source of steam that keeps the inside of the chicken moist while at the same time have all the skin exposed to get it nice and crisp.
It works surprisingly well.
Thanks for tip, I am trying this as we speak. Sounds terrific. The wife even took a picture. lol.. My only issue is there goes a can of my Bud light!
Looks like paprika and some sort of herb(s) on it?
What do you think of Northwoods Fire seasoning, here is what it is made of:
Northwoods 'Fire' Seasoning Hot Bill made 2 versions of Northwoods Seasoning right from the start, regular and 'Fire'. When we introduced regular Northwoods Seasoning it quickly became one of our most popular all purpose blends. Northwoods Fire has the same great flavor, with the added kick of both smoky Chipotle and hot Cayenne red pepper. This makes Northwoods Fire the perfect seasoning for all the grilled foods of summer. Rub on steaks, fish and chops, sprinkle on chicken or turkey wings, potatoes with onions, grilled vegetables. Use 1-2 tsp. per pound, depending on just how hot you like it. Hand-mixed from: coarse flake salt, paprika, chipotle pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary and garlic.
I think I might brine the next bird I cook along with using it, but I will definitly try and use the beer in the can thing. I think I recall, long ago, using that when BBQing a bird.
Yes, at that point it had paprika and herbs-Italian mix consisting of marjoram,thyme,rosemary,sage, and basil, coarse sea salt and pepper. I brush the bird with olive oil first for browning and crispness. I wish we had taken a photo after. I will next time.
The Northwoods fire seasoning you mentioned sounds fabulous and will try that on the next one. The only thing we are missing is the chipotle pepper. I'll get some. thanks.
I like Penzey's. They are a little expensive, but they come up with some really good blends, just the right proportions. Their Vietnamese Cinnamon got top ratings by America's Test Kitchens, I've had it and always liked it best my own self. They even said "real" cinnamon wasn't as good, lacking the depth of flavor.
There are two locations in Michigan if you are near them:
If you make your own blend, careful with the chipotle, it is pretty potent, chipotle is basically adobo sauce seasoned jalapenos smoked in earthen smokers. The smoking concentrates the heat.
The Penzey's in Beverly Hills isn't real far but as luck would have it we have a nephew that lives less than 3 blocks from there and said he would be happy to pick some up when they come for Christmas. I am going to try this with a small turkey, 10-12 lb, with a Fosters 25.4 oz can of beer. They are large in diameter and should support the turkey. I'll post the pic when it comes out of the oven and give the results.