Flame-Grilled Herb-Infused Chicken

This delightful recipe takes the classic roast chicken to the next level by incorporating fresh herbs and a unique marinade that gives it a distinctive smoky aroma. The preparation requires some patience, as the chicken is allowed to marinate and grill slowly over an open flame, resulting in a dish that is incredibly juicy and full of flavor. It's a culinary adventure that combines the tenderness of chicken with the fresh and earthy notes of young pine shoots and garlic. The method involves hanging the chicken over the fire in a way that allows it to cook evenly without burning. This ancient grilling technique adds a rustic charm to the dish. By stuffing the chicken with lemon and herbs, each bite delivers a burst of freshness. Whether you're gearing up for a backyard barbecue or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its unique taste and presentation.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Medium-sized chicken
1 lemon
Handful of mixed herbs

Spices and Marinade:

Young pine shoots
5 cloves of garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Preparation Time

Total time: 520 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Marinade: Crush together the young pine shoots, garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a pestle and mortar to form a coarse paste.
Prepare the Chicken: Gently rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cleaned inside and out.
Stuff the Chicken: Insert the lemon (halved) and a handful of mixed herbs into the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse the meat with fresh flavors.
Tie the Chicken: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs of the chicken together to retain the stuffing and promote even cooking.
Apply the Marinade: Thoroughly rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Be generous with the application to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
Prepare the Grill: Set up a tripod grill over an open flame. Maintain a moderate distance from the fire to prevent burning while allowing proper heat exposure.
Hang the Chicken: Suspend the marinated chicken from the tripod, ensuring it is secure and stable.
Monitor the Cooking: Keep a watchful eye on the chicken, adjusting its distance from the flame as necessary. Ideal cooking allows for intense heat without causing hands to burn upon brief contact.
Slow Roast: Let the chicken hang and roast for approximately 8 hours. This slow-cooking method ensures the most succulent and moist chicken.
Check for Doneness: Confirm the chicken is done by piercing the thickest part of the meat. Clear juices and no pinkness are signs of ready-to-serve chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Carve and Serve: Slice the chicken with care, making sure each guest gets a piece of the succulent meat.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon slices for a decorative touch.
The final flavor is a perfect blend of forest and smoke, boasting a juicy texture that is unforgettable. Bon appétit!

Tips

Substitutions: If young pine shoots are unavailable, rosemary or thyme can offer a similar aromatic effect.
Timing: Start the preparation in the morning to have a delightful meal by evening.
Setup: Ensure you have a stable and safe environment for open-flame grilling to prevent accidents.

Variations

Herb Options: Experiment with different herb combinations such as basil, rosemary, or parsley for varied flavors.
Spice it Up: Add some chili flakes or paprika for a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a light salad or grilled vegetables to complement the rich flavors.
Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 35g
Fats: 28g
Carbs: 4g

Best Places

The Spit Jack - A cozy rotisserie restaurant famed for its succulent flame-grilled chicken. Location: 34 Washington Street West, Cork, Ireland.
Rosemary's Rotisserie - Known for its herb-infused delicacies cooked over an open flame. Location: 18 Rue Saint-Lazare, Paris, France.
Grillstock - A vibrant venue offering a unique smoke and fire experience for meat lovers. Location: 12 King Street, Bristol, UK.
Buenos Aires Grill - Boasts Argentine flavors with their perfected grilling technique. Location: 2nd Cutting Estate, Highway Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Smoke & Fire - Offers an unbeatable smoky flavor with a grand variety of grilled options. Location: 110 S Broadway, Los Angeles, USA.
Chef’s Table BBQ - Excellent for exploring globally inspired grilled dishes. Location: 9 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
La Parrillada - Celebrated for its traditional barbecued meats under expert hands. Location: 45 San Telmo Street, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Oven & Fire - Delivers a modern take on traditional grilling with delectable sides. Location: 120 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada.
The Grill Pit - Famed for its fiery flavors and top-notch service. Location: 76 Bleecker Street, New York City, USA.
Asador Argentino - Argentina’s authentic asado experience with unmatched taste. Location: 98 La Boca Avenue, Buenos Aires, Argentina.