4 tsp salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 large roasting chicken -- as big as you can find
1 cup chopped onion
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all the spices. Remove giblets from chicken, clean the cavity well and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture into the chicken, both inside and out, making sure it is evenly distributed and down deep into the skin. Place in a resealable plastic bag, seal and refrigerate overnight.
Way I cook it: Put in rectangle pan, cover and cook at 350 for about 1.5 hours until thermometer says done. Can cook at 400 degrees. Uncover and bake for a little bit to brown breast.
Original Recipe: When ready to roast chicken, stuff cavity with onions, and place in a shallow baking pan. Roast uncovered at 250 for 5 hours (yes, 250 for 5 hours). After the first hour, baste chicken occasionally (every half hour or so) with pan juices. The pan juices will start to caramelize on the bottom of pan and the chicken will turn golden brown. If the chicken contains a pop-up thermometer, ignore it. Let chicken rest about 10 minutes before carving.
Notes: This recipe is a great way to roast a large chicken for planned leftovers. It is reminiscent of those rotisserie-style chickens that are so popular now, and it is very easy to make. The meat comes out very moist and flavorful, so it is as good leftover as freshly cooked. Please try it and you will never roast chicken any other way. You need to start this the night before serving.
Update: This one freezes well. Take care because the chicken does start to fall apart, especially the legs and wings. It still tastes fantastic. The leftovers were great as soup and chicken salad.
