Learn how to make rotisserie chicken at home and have it turn out fantastic every time!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Picking up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is one of the easiest ways to put dinner on the table, and the leftovers are the best for quick-and-easy meals. But grocery store rotisserie chicken can be hit-and-miss. Sometimes they’re juicy and moist, and other times they’re dry and…well, just underwhelming in general.
For a fresher, more flavorful experience, make your own rotisserie chicken at home. If you want, you can use a grill with a rotating attachment. If not, you can use the cooker or the oven and the tools you already have to make one.
Fans love rotisserie chicken for good reason: the crispy, seasoned skin, the juicy, tender meat, and those irresistible savory juices. But setting up the rotisserie for weeknight dinners isn’t always possible. Luckily, with a few simple tips, you can easily get that delicious rotisserie flavor at home using plain chicken breasts.
Get To Know Rotisserie Chicken Flavor
So what exactly gives rotisserie chicken its signature zesty flavor? Two key factors:
-
Seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper are just a few of the fragrant spices that are mixed into the meat and skin.
-
Cooking method – The rotating action bastes the chicken in its own juices while evenly cooking the meat. This retains moisture and allows seasonings to caramelize into the skin.
Understanding these components is key to infusing ordinary chicken breasts with scrumptious rotisserie essence, Time to unlock the secrets!
Prime Your Chicken
You can’t develop deep flavor without prepping the chicken first. Here are two simple tricks:
Brining
Soaking chicken breasts in a salty brine plumps up the meat and makes it incredibly juicy. The salt also helps seasonings adhere and penetrate better.
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup water, 1 tbsp salt, and 2 tbsp sugar. Add chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
Butterflying
Cutting the chicken breast in half horizontally makes it the same thickness all over, so it cooks evenly. This retains moisture and prevents dry spots.
- Place chicken breast smooth side down and use a sharp knife to slice through the thickest portion, leaving 1/2 inch intact. Open up like a book.
Season Like a Pro
Now for the fun part – time to add spices! Consider these flavorful seasoning blends:
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper
- Smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, pepper, cayenne
- Chili powder, cumin, oregano, lemon zest
Rub the spice mix all over the chicken, including under the skin. The brining allows seasonings to penetrate deeply and adhere to the meat.
Get Creative with Marinades
In addition to dry rubs, marinating is fantastic for adding moisture and rotisserie flavor. Try soaking chicken for 30 mins – 1 hour in:
- Lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt
- Apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder
- yogurt, tandoori spices, lemon zest
Replicate Rotisserie Cooking
Cooking method is vital for mimicking rotisserie texture and flavor. Consider these techniques:
Oven Roast
- Roast at 425°F for 25-35 mins until cooked through
- Use a rack to allow airflow and crisp skin
- Baste with melted butter or olive oil for extra richness
Grill
- Grill over direct medium heat, flipping once, until done
- Move to indirect heat, close lid, and let rest 5 minutes
- This infuses smoky flavor reminiscent of rotisserie
Stovetop
- Pan fry seasoned chicken in a skillet with oil
- Turn frequently to prevent burning
- Finish by basting chicken with a flavorful sauce
Enhance Juiciness and Flavor
Don’t forget these extra touches for increased moisture and complexity:
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to retain juices
- Make a sauce with pan drippings or ingredients like garlic, herbs, mustard, vinegar
- Serve with flavor boosters like lemon wedges, chimichurri, or pepper relish
Enjoy Your Succulent Rotisserie-Style Chicken!
With the right prep, seasoning, and cooking method, it’s easy to turn plain chicken breasts into juicy, zesty rotisserie-style perfection. Try out different marinades and spice blends until you find the one you like best. Then you can wow your guests and yourself with home-cooked chicken that tastes just as crispy and delicious as chicken from a rotisserie.
How Do You Tie up a Chicken for Rotisserie?
The best way to ensure your chicken will cook evenly is to truss it with butcher’s twine. If you’ve never done it before, it’s easier than you’d think. Check out our complete guide to trussing a chicken with step-by-step instructions to get started.
If you don’t have twine, or it sounds like too much trouble, you can use a shortcut method. This method doesn’t work for the grill, but it works just fine in the oven or slow cooker. Place the chicken breast-side up and tuck the wings under the chicken. Then, make a tiny incision in the loose skin around the cavity. Tuck the legs into each slit, being careful not to tear the skin as you go.
How Long Does It Take to Rotisserie a Chicken?
In general, chicken takes about 20 to 30 minutes per pound when it’s cooked between 300 to 350°F. That means a three-pound chicken will finish in an hour to an hour and a half. You can use timing to help you plan, but we suggest using an instant-read thermometer to make sure the chicken is safe to eat. Check to see if the thickest part of the breast is 165°F or the thigh is 175°F on the inside.
More uses for the Costco Rotisserie Chicken to come!! #costco #rotisseriechicken #easyrecipes
FAQ
How to make a chicken taste like a rotisserie chicken?
Classic rotisserie flavors are salt, pepper, garlic powder and SMOKED paprika. Works great.
How to make chicken breast taste like restaurant?
To make chicken breast taste like a restaurant, focus on tenderizing and flavor-infusing techniques. Marinate the chicken, consider brining, and use a combination of flavorful herbs and spices.
How to make rotisserie chicken flavour?
Put salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix them together. Set this bowl aside. Remove and discard giblets from chicken. Rinse chicken cavity; pat dry with paper towels. Rub each chicken inside and out with spice mixture.