Discover the ultimate roast chicken experience with this Topsy Turvy Crispy Roast Chicken with Salt Crust Seasoning—where bold flavors and ingenious technique collide for a show-stopping main course. This recipe flips tradition on its head, quite literally, by starting the chicken breast-side-down to ensure the juiciest and most succulent meat. A delectable salt crust seasoning featuring aromatic dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder infuses every bite with crave-worthy flavor, while a cavity stuffed with fresh rosemary, parsley, lemon, and onion elevates the taste to gourmet levels. The skin crisps to golden perfection thanks to a final basting with pan drippings, making it irresistibly crackly and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this roasted chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Ready in just under two hours, it’s the ultimate blend of technique, flavor, and impressive presentation.
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Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and place a rack in the pan for the chicken to sit on.
Ensure the chicken is clean and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets from the cavity if present.
In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. This will be your seasoning mix.
Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, including under the skin over the breasts. This helps adhere the seasoning mix and contributes to crisping the skin.
Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over the entire chicken, covering every surface for maximum flavor.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, fresh rosemary, parsley, and onion quarters.
Place the chicken upside-down (breast side down) on the prepared roasting rack. This position will allow the juices to flow into the breasts during the first half of the cooking process, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
Roast the chicken in the oven for 40 minutes while in the upside-down position.
Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully flip it right-side-up (breast side up). Use tongs and heatproof gloves to avoid breaking the skin.
Return the chicken to the oven and roast for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (79°C) at the thigh.
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with any drippings collected in the pan to maximize the crispiness of the skin.
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This prevents the juices from running out and keeps the meat tender.
Carve the chicken, serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your Topsy Turvy Crispy Roast Chicken!
Serving size | (2059.4g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 565.1 |
Total Fat 43.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 8.6g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
Cholesterol 136.1mg | 0% |
Sodium 53848.3mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 13.0g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 3.7g | 0% |
Total Sugars 2.8g | |
Protein 36.5g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 71.3mg | 0% |
Iron 4.1mg | 0% |
Potassium 657.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories