Beyond The Roast: 3 Creative Whole Chicken Recipes

Are you ready to take your poultry game to the next level? Well, get ready because I've got three mouthwatering recipes that will have you licking your fingers and coming back for more. 

Say goodbye to boring old roasted chicken and hello to 3 fun and tantalizing dishes that will make your taste buds sing!

Beer Can Chicken

Let's kick things off with a classic favorite: beer can chicken. This recipe is perfect for those lazy weekends when you want to fire up the grill and impress your friends and family. 

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 Edwards Family Farms whole chicken (3.5-4 pounds)
• 1 can of beer (choose your favorite)
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite poultry rub
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and your poultry rub.
4. Open the beer can and take a few sips (or pour out about a quarter of it). Place the can on a solid surface and lower the chicken onto it, so it stands upright with the beer can inserted into the cavity.
5. Carefully transfer the chicken and beer can to the grill, positioning it so it stands upright.
6. Close the lid and cook for 60-90 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful beer can chicken!

Citrus and Herb Grilled Chicken

Next up, we have a zesty and herbaceous grilled chicken that's bursting with flavor. 

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 Edwards Family Farms whole chicken (3.5-4 pounds)
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated, then seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
5. Grill the chicken over indirect heat for about 60-75 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the vibrant flavors of citrus and herbs!

Thai Coconut Curry Whole Chicken

Last but certainly not least, we have a flavor-packed Thai-inspired whole chicken cooked in creamy coconut curry sauce. 

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 Edwards Family Farms whole chicken (3.5-4 pounds)
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 3 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste
• 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice to make the curry sauce.
3. Place the whole chicken in a roasting pan and pour the curry sauce over the chicken, making sure it's well coated.
4. Scatter the sliced red bell pepper and onion around the chicken in the roasting pan.
5. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour.
6. Remove the foil and continue roasting for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
8. Serve the Thai coconut curry chicken with cooked rice, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to Thailand!

There you have it, 3 irresistible whole chicken recipes that are sure to elevate your culinary game. 

Whether you're grilling, roasting, or simmering, these dishes are guaranteed to impress. 

So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove or grill, and get ready to savor every delicious bite. Enjoy!

Want more whole chicken recipes? Click here to download our "Whole Shebang Recipe Book" with 4 more easy and delicious whole chicken recipes to make your next whole chicken dish a success!