Better Cold Chicken: A Flavorful Oven-Baked Delight
If you love discovering new flavors and trying unique takes on classic dishes, this “Better Cold” Chicken recipe is one you should try. Created from the combination of two recipes I came across, this chicken earned rave reviews, and I believe it tastes even better when served cold the next day. A delightful blend of honey, herbs, and a splash of red wine creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Overview
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Whole Chicken
- Serving Size: 1 Whole Chicken
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Fresh Thyme | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Pepper Flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Wine | 1 ½ cups |
| Garlic (sliced) | 2 cloves |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Whole Chicken (3-4 lbs) | 1 chicken |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2609.3 |
| Total Fat | 184.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 68.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 812.1 mg |
| Sodium | 985.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 55.5 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugar | 52.1 g |
| Protein | 172.4 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly, and the flavors meld together perfectly. -
-
Prepare the Roasting Pan
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your roasting pan. The water helps keep the chicken moist while it bakes, preventing it from drying out. It also adds a bit of steam to the cooking process, creating a tender, juicy chicken. -
Prepare the Chicken
Place the whole chicken in the roasting pan, breast side up. The positioning ensures the skin crisps up beautifully during baking. -
Garlic Infusion
Slice 2 cloves of garlic thinly and gently slide them under the skin of the chicken. The garlic will infuse the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor as it bakes. -
Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine 4 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Place the saucepan over medium heat. -
Melt the Butter and Blend the Ingredients
Stir the mixture occasionally until the butter melts completely and the spices release their fragrance. Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat. -
Add Red Wine
Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of red wine into the butter-spice mixture, stirring gently. This will create a smooth, flavorful sauce that will coat the chicken as it bakes. -
Baste the Chicken
Pour the sauce slowly and evenly over the chicken, ensuring that it’s well-coated. The honey and wine will caramelize as the chicken roasts, creating a beautifully browned, flavorful crust. -
Bake the Chicken
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. During the first hour, be sure to baste the chicken every 20 minutes with the sauce, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful. -
Check for Doneness
After the recommended cooking time, check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the skin is beautifully browned and crispy, it’s time to remove it from the oven. -
Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This helps retain its juices and keeps the meat tender. -
Serve
Serve your “Better Cold” Chicken either hot or chilled. While this dish is fantastic right out of the oven, many find that it tastes even better the next day when served cold. The flavors have more time to develop, and the honey-wine sauce becomes even richer.
Tips & Variations
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Substituting Red Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
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Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your personal heat preference. Add more for a spicier kick or less for a milder version.
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Using Leftovers: Leftover chicken can be used for sandwiches, salads, or even shredded and added to pasta dishes for an easy and flavorful meal.
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For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer a crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 375°F during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will allow the skin to brown further.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This “Better Cold” Chicken is a unique twist on a classic whole roasted chicken. The honey and wine-based sauce, paired with fresh herbs and garlic, creates a savory-sweet flavor that is both satisfying and bold. Whether you enjoy it hot from the oven or as a leftover treat the next day, this recipe is versatile and incredibly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, from a weekday dinner to a special gathering, it’s a meal that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
For more delicious recipes like this one, be sure to visit Love With Recipes, where you’ll find new culinary ideas and inspiration to try at home.
