Salt Roasted Chicken: the tasty, juicy chicken recipe to make only with two ingredients

Juicy, flavorful chicken with only two ingredients? Yes, it’s possible! It’s said that the method of encasing a bird in salt and cooking it that way goes as far back as the Qing dynasty! Talk about an oldie but a goodie! You only need salt and a whole chicken to make this age-old salt-roasted chicken recipe.

It’s crispy on the outside, and juicy and moist on the inside. To make it you simply place the chicken on a layer of salt and bake! Making roast chicken couldn’t be easier! Just the recipe you need for a midweek roast chicken dinner. Make sure to check the tips below on how to serve it, and a few ways you can customize the recipe. You’ll just love how quick and easy it is!

Tips

Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before you cut into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more juiciness.

There’s a Chinese variation of this recipe that’s usually made with a pre-prepared salt-baked powder seasoning packet containing MSG or with salt and sand ginger. Because the chicken naturally has a lot of flavor, added MSG is not really necessary. Sand ginger is also not an ingredient that is widely popular in stores. The dish is usually served with a Hakka dipping sauce.

Another variation creates a salt-crusted chicken, in which the chicken is spatchcocked (or butterflied) and covered completely with salt. This way, the meat becomes incredibly moist and tender.

The amount of salt will depend on the weight of the chicken. Use the same weight as the chicken. (In other words, for a 3 lb chicken, you will need 3 lb salt).

Discard any discolored salt as it contains chicken juices. The rest can be reused again.

Use the leftover chicken bones for a chicken stock.

For added flavor, you can add chopped herbs and lemon slices to the salt mixture.

If you like, stuff the chicken cavity with flavoring like ginger, garlic, onion, cilantro sprigs or star anise.

Make sure to truss the chicken to keep it in one piece.

How To Serve Salt Roasted Chicken

Carve the meat and serve with roasted vegetables, rice, and a green salad.

Use leftovers in a soup, salad, or sandwiches. It can be served hot or cold.

How To Store Salt Roasted Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container (in the fridge) for up to 3 days.

How To Make Salt Roasted Chicken

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.

Cover the chicken wings with foil.

Sprinkle a thick layer of salt on top of a baking sheet. Place the chicken on top breast side facing up.

Bake for 90 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Notes

Don’t skip the foil on the wings. It will prevent them from burning!