Rock Salt Roast BBQ Honey Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
35 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 55 mins
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Servings
1 whole chicken
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Rock Salt Roast BBQ Honey Chicken
Description
The recipe calls for roasting a whole chicken on a thick layer of rock salt, which acts as a heat conductor to cook the chicken evenly and helps retain moisture. The chicken’s cavity is filled with lemon, parsley, and sliced garlic to infuse subtle herbal and citrus aromatics. A custom BBQ seasoning rub made with brown sugar, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper is applied liberally over the chicken and beneath the skin, providing layers of flavor.
The roasting process involves cooking the chicken breast-side down initially and then flipping it halfway through, which helps achieve juiciness and even browning. Brushing warmed honey over the chicken near the end of baking adds a mild sweetness and a shiny finish. This method results in a roast with tender, flavorful meat and a crisp yet caramelized skin.
Because the chicken is whole and substantial in size, the recipe lends itself well to a main course for a family meal or gathering. The use of rock salt is emphasized as preferable for its cooking properties and texture. Careful flipping during roasting is recommended to maximize juiciness and even cooking, though it can be simplified by roasting breast side up or down the entire time with slight compromises.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 to 5 pound chicken whole
- 4 pound rock salt also called ice cream salt, box
- 1 lemon
- 3-4 parsley sprigs
- 3 garlic peeled and sliced, cloves
BBQ Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika can use regular paprika in a pinch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt coarse
- ½ teaspoon black pepper coarse
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ to ¼ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons honey warmed slightly, if needed so it's brushable
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a 9X13-inch pan with foil for easy cleanup and pour the rock salt into the pan, evening it into a thick, smooth layer.
- Remove and discard anything (like neck, gizzards, etc.) from inside the chicken, if needed.
- With a fork, poke holes all over the lemon. Put the lemon, parsley and garlic into the cavity of the chicken.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the homemade BBQ seasoning liberally all over the chicken and underneath the skin.
- Place the chicken breast-side DOWN on the bed of salt.
- Roast for 40 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken over so it is breast-side UP and bake for another 40-50 minutes until cooked through (the chicken should register 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer in the meaty part of a leg - avoiding the bone).
- Immediately out of the oven, brush the honey all over the chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Rock salt provides better roasting results than coarse kosher salt for this method.
- Flipping the chicken midway helps maintain juiciness but requires careful handling with a large spatula.
- Omitting the flip is possible but may result in less even cooking.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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