Ingredients for Ancient Egyptian Chicken
- Whole Chickens
- Olive Oil
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Coriander
- Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Cayenne Pepper
- Beer
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
How to Make Ancient Egyptian Chicken
- **Brine the Chicken:** In a large container, dissolve 1/4 cup kosher salt and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in 8 cups of cold water. Submerge the whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs) in the brine and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
- **Prepare the Marinade:** (See ingredient list for specific measurements and recipe). Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- **Marinate the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- **Preheat & Prepare:** Preheat your broiler to high. If using a whole chicken, you can either leave it whole or butterfly it for faster cooking.
- **Broil the Chicken:** Place the chicken on a broiler pan lined with foil. Broil for the recommended time (see timing guidelines below), basting with the reserved marinade every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking and enhance flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- **Rest & Serve:** Once cooked, remove the chicken from the broiler and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor
Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
9 g
Sugar
5g
Fat
94g
Carbs
3g