Perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin from the grill
Chicken – sounds simple at first, right? But anyone who has had the pleasure of enjoying a masterfully prepared chicken – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – knows: It is a true culinary art. And this art has many facets! Whether on glowing coals, in a Kamado grill, in the home oven, or in a modern air fryer – each method has its secrets. Join me today on a flavorful journey through the multifaceted world of chicken – personal, experimental, and incredibly delicious!
The Types: Which Chicken Suits You?
Not every chicken is the same. The taste and texture vary significantly depending on the origin. Here’s a brief overview:
Corn-fed Chicken: My absolute favorite! The corn feeding gives the meat a special juiciness and develops a fine sweet note. Ideal for grilling or in a Kamado.Free-range Chicken: Characterized by a more intense flavor and firmer meat. Particularly well-suited for preparation in the oven.Organic Chicken: Flavor-intensive and sustainably produced. Cooked at low temperatures, it optimally unfolds its tender consistency.Tip: Make sure your chicken is well-aged. This improves the tenderness of the meat.
Preparation Methods: Fire, Coals, Oven, or High-tech?
Hanging over the fire – the rustic classic
There’s hardly anything more beautiful than preparing a chicken over an open flame. Continuous turning and basting not only creates an aromatic crust but also intensifies the flavor.
Insider Tip: Use a marinade made of honey, lemon juice, and herbs. The honey caramelizes when heated, while the lemon adds a fresh note.Difficulty Level: Medium – it is particularly important to pay attention to the temperature to avoid burning the skin.Over Charcoal – the BBQ classic
No BBQ would be complete without an aromatic smoky chicken. Whether cut flat as spatchcock or traditionally on a rotisserie – charcoal gives the meat a distinctive aroma.
My Tip for crispy skin: Generously salt the skin beforehand and let it air dry. This removes moisture and leads to a particularly crispy crust.Extras: Experiment with wood chips like hickory or apple wood for a subtle smoky aroma.In the Kamado Grill – the all-rounder
The Kamado grill is ideal for even cooking. Thanks to its ceramic wall, it retains heat optimally, whether for slow smoking or quick grilling.
Trick: Place a bowl of water or beer underneath the chicken to keep it extra juicy.Cooking Time: A whole chicken needs about 1.5 hours at 160 °C.In the Oven – the simple solution
For days without a desire to experiment, the oven is the way to go. You can easily and reliably prepare a delicious chicken at any time.
Crispy Tip: Brush the skin with a mixture of butter, paprika powder, and garlic to make it golden brown and tasty.Trick: For extra crispy skin, put the chicken under the broiler for the last 10 minutes.In the Air Fryer – the modern hero
Initially skeptical, I found that the air fryer really surprises. It cooks chicken in a very short time so that it is crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside.
Perfect for: Chicken thighs or smaller portions.Time: A half chicken is ready in about 25–30 minutes.Secret Ingredient: A marinade made of yogurt and spices makes the pieces especially tender.Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken
The Right Marinade: A good marinade is essential for flavor. The core of my marinades consists of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs, complemented by sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
The Perfect Skin: Always dry the chicken well before cooking and regularly brush it with butter or oil to keep it juicy.
Measuring Core Temperature: Regardless of the cooking method, the core temperature is crucial for juicy meat. It should reach 75 °C at the thickest part of the meat (without bone).
Letting it Rest After Cooking: Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to distribute optimally and to keep the meat tender.
My Conclusion: Chicken is more versatile than one might think. Whether rustic over the fire, classic in the oven, or modern in the air fryer – it remains a culinary all-rounder. Try different methods and find your favorite!
Do you have a secret tip for the perfect chicken preparation? I welcome every comment and am always open to new ideas! And if you're looking for inspiration or equipment for your next chicken adventure, feel free to check out my shop.
