Chicken on a bottle
4 servings
120 minutes
Chicken on a bottle is a simple yet original roasting method that yields juicy, flavorful, and golden meat. The recipe's origins trace back to traditional village cooking methods where food was prepared over an open fire or in an oven using available means. The bottle with water inside creates a steam bath effect, helping the chicken cook evenly, while added spices and garlic give it a rich flavor. Lemon and bay leaf enhance the aroma with freshness and a hint of acidity, making the dish perfect for festive tables or cozy family dinners. Chicken is usually served with roasted vegetables or a light side dish, revealing its rich and balanced taste.
1
Wash the chicken and dry it (with paper towels or a cloth).
2
It is good to rub the chicken inside and out with salt, ground pepper, and olive oil.
- Chicken: 1 piece
- Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 0.2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
3
Slice the garlic cloves, make incisions in the chicken skin, and insert the garlic slices under the skin.
- Garlic: 3 cloves
4
Pour 1/3–1/2 water into a glass bottle (you can use a beer bottle or any glass bottle with a volume of about 0.5 liters, preferably with a bottom and neck wider than a regular bottle; a simple 0.7-liter glass jar can also be used).
5
Put a bay leaf, peppercorns, and lemon slices in a bottle of water.
- Bay leaf: 2 pieces
- Black peppercorns: 4 pieces
- Lemon: 0.5 piece
6
Place a chicken on top of the bottle.
7
Chicken wings can be hidden to prevent burning by making cuts under the armpits.
8
Place the bottle with the chicken in a pan or another metal container with water, so the fat can drain into the water while baking (otherwise, the fat will burn and dirty the oven).
9
Place the chicken in the (!)cold oven on the lowest level or at a level where the chicken does not touch the top of the oven.
10
Bake the chicken at 180 degrees for about 1.5 hours (depending on the weight of the chicken).
11
The readiness of the chicken is checked by piercing. If clear juice flows out, the chicken is ready. If opaque red liquid comes out, continue cooking.
