Perfect Salt and Chili Roasted Chicken Recipe

Salt and chili roasted chicken is not only delicious but also captures the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. With its crispy skin and tender meat infused with the savory salt and spicy chili, this dish easily wins over even the most discerning food lovers. Let’s explore how to make salt and chili roasted chicken at home to treat your family and friends during weekend gatherings!

Illustration of salt and chili roasted chicken

Ingredients Needed for Salt and Chili Roasted Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 – 2kg)
• 1 fresh turmeric root
• 1 lemon
• A few kaffir lime leaves
• 4 ripe bird’s eye chilies
• 2 shallots
• Fresh herbs: Lettuce, fish mint, perilla, cucumber…
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, fish sauce, monosodium glutamate, cooking oil, sugar

How to Make Salt and Chili Roasted Chicken

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

First, rub salt all over the chicken to remove any unwanted odors, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Next, flatten the chicken by pressing down on the back. Use a knife to lightly score the surface of the chicken to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.

Preparing the chicken for marinating

Step 2: Preparing Additional Ingredients

Peel the fresh turmeric and pound it with the peeled shallots until smooth, then extract the juice. Remove any wilted leaves and roots from the accompanying herbs, wash them in diluted saltwater, and let them drain. Slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

Pounding fresh turmeric with shallots to extract juice

Step 3: Marinating the Chicken with Salt and Chili

Brush the turmeric juice evenly over the entire chicken to achieve a beautiful yellow color. Then, mix the marinade according to the following recipe:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 4 bird’s eye chilies, pounded

Stir the mixture well, then place the chicken in a bowl, pour the marinade over it, and rub the seasonings all over the chicken. For hygiene, wear gloves during this step. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes

Step 4: Roasting the Chicken

After marinating, place the chicken on a grill over charcoal. Keep the heat low to prevent the skin from burning while the meat inside remains undercooked. Occasionally fan the coals to maintain an even heat and brush more marinade onto the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs more flavor. Alternatively, you can use a microwave to save time.

Turning the chicken while roasting for even cooking

Step 5: Presentation and Enjoyment

Typically, roasting the chicken to perfection takes about 2 hours. You can serve it whole or cut into pieces, arranging the salt and chili roasted chicken on a plate with dipping salt and fresh herbs.

How to Make Dipping Salt for Roasted Chicken

Dipping salt is an essential element to enhance the flavor of the roasted chicken. Here’s a simple recipe:

• Pound 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, then dry-roast it in a pan.
• Rinse the kaffir lime leaves in diluted saltwater, then thinly slice them.
• Rinse the chilies, remove the seeds, and pound them.
• Mix the coarse salt, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and add a bit of lemon juice.

Tips for Choosing the Best Chicken for Roasting

When making salt and chili roasted chicken, selecting the right ingredients is crucial:

• Choose free-range chicken as it has tender and non-tough meat.
• Prefer young hens or game hens.
• If using pre-butchered chicken, select one with yellow skin and a moderate layer of fat.

With the detailed guide on how to make salt and chili roasted chicken above, you can confidently head to the kitchen and prepare this delicious dish. Give it a try today to enrich your family’s menu!

Wishing you success and enjoyable meals with your family and friends!