The word grilled chicken to the mode of cooking the chicken slowly over the wood and that has previously been marinated or marinated with a mixture of spices which gives it a very peculiar flavor and texture due to the uniform cooking to which it is subjected, which leaves the meat juicy and the toasted exterior.
It is a dish present in almost all Western cuisines and in the case of American countries, each one makes it their own by incorporating small variables typical of each region. This is how some regions offer it whole, others by pieces, it can be presented in its natural color or slightly colored, for example by smearing it with onoto or achote, others add spice to the dressing or give it a slight sweet touch.
Whatever variable is entered, it is a plate exquisite, easy to prepare and always pleasant.
Grilled chicken recipe
Ingredients
- One chicken, without entrails, of medium size and weight (approximately 2 kg)
- Marinating sauce:
- A tablespoon of oregano
- A tablespoon of thyme
- A teaspoon of cumin
- A tablespoon of garlic powder
- One tablespoon of ground paprika (paprica)
- A tablespoon of sugar
- A tablespoon of salt
- Juice of one lemon
- 50 milliliters of soy sauce (equals 5 tablespoons)
- A cup of water (250 milliliters)
- Additional materials:
- A barbecue or barbecue
- Firewood and charcoal
- Roasting rack
Preparation
The day before, the marinating sauce should be prepared with all the ingredients, except for the chicken. For this you can use a mortar or a blender. In case of doing it with a mortar, all the solids are crushed one by one, they are mixed as they are crushed and finally the liquids are added. When doing it in a blender, all the ingredients are mixed together.
The whole chicken is washed well, drained for a short time and the marinating process begins, covering all parts with the marinating sauce, both inside and out. In places where the skin of the chicken can be separated a little from the meat, it is convenient to place and spread these places with the marinating sauce.
Generally, part of the sauce remains which is added over the chicken. It is placed in a large container with a lid, and left at room temperature for two to three hours. Lugo is taken to the refrigerator where it is left for a minimum period of ten to twelve hours; this in order that the sauce soaks all the parts of the chicken well.
It is recommended that during the time that the chicken is marinating, periodically turn it over and stir the sauce that has accumulated in the container by adding it again on the chicken.
When the chicken is cooked, the barbecue or grill is prepared, lighting the wood and the coals. Once the flame has dimmed and the coals are lit, place the chicken on a rack and start cooking, turning the chicken every fifteen minutes, to ensure uniform cooking. In an hour and a half the chicken is fully cooked, acquiring a golden hue both on the outside and inside.
Useful tips to make delicious grilled chicken
Cooking must be done in the absence of flames from the wood, otherwise the chicken will burn on the outside and the meat will remain raw; that's why it should be done with hot coals in the absence of flames.
If the grill allows it, you should start cooking by placing the rack at the highest possible height and as it cooks, lower the rack to a lower height.
Cooking should be started by placing the chicken on the skin side.
It is recommended to open the chicken in longitudinal direction following the middle part of the breast, so that it remains open in the middle to guarantee better cooking. There are people who prefer to separate the chicken into pieces and grill them individually.
Nutritional contribution
Chicken meat is an important protein source as it contains a 20% protein, the carbohydrate content is minimal and has a 9% fat; Most of the fat that it has is distributed outside the meat itself since it is strategically located between the skin and the surface of the meat, so it is easy to discard.
Has appreciable amounts of phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin B3 or niacina, elements necessary for the daily diet and also involved in neuronal metabolism.
Food properties
La chicken meat It has been used as food since ancient times, providing great nutritional benefits. Its tender texture and smooth flavor make it easy to combine with other foods, while allowing it to be adapted to multiple diets.
Its content in vitamins and minerals It provides the minimum body requirements for trace elements, favoring cellular metabolic mechanisms.
