What is Montreal Chicken? A Guide to This Iconic Canadian Dish

Montreal chicken, also known as “poulet de Montréal” in French, is a delicious and iconic poultry dish that originated in the province of Quebec, Canada. It has become a staple of Quebecois cuisine and is now enjoyed by locals and tourists across Canada and beyond. But what exactly is Montreal chicken, and what makes it so special?

A Brief History

While the exact origins are unclear, Montreal chicken is believed to have evolved from European rotisserie chicken traditions in the 19th and 20th centuries. When immigrants from places like Portugal and France settled in Montreal, they likely adapted their spit-roasted chicken recipes to incorporate local ingredients

The use of a distinctive spice blend gives Montreal chicken its signature flavor. This blend often includes garlic onion, paprika cayenne, oregano, thyme, and a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar. The mix of herbs, spices, and subtle sweetness sets Montreal chicken apart from other rotisserie chicken dishes.

Over the years, cooking the chicken on a rotisserie became the norm. This made sure that the inside was juicy and the outside was crispy and seasoned. As the dish became more popular in Quebec, it became common to serve it with classic sides like fries, coleslaw, and gravy. People from all over the world now think of it as a must-try food in Montreal.

The Signature Spice Blend

The spice blend is what makes Montreal chicken truly unique and gives it its robust complex flavor. While recipes can vary slightly these ingredients commonly feature

• Garlic powder – provides a savory, aromatic base

• Onion powder – adds layers of sweet, earthy flavor

• Paprika – contributes a subtle smokiness and richness

• Cayenne or chili powder – supplies a mild kick of heat

• Oregano and thyme – offer grassy, herbal notes

• Maple syrup or brown sugar – lends a hint of sweetness to balance the savoriness

When you mix these spices together, you get a delicious mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that go deep into the meat. Usually, the chicken is marinated overnight or for a few hours to get the most flavor out of the spices.

Cooking Method

Real Montreal chicken is cooked on a rotisserie, which lets the meat bask in its own juices as it turns over the heat source. This makes a beautiful browned outside that covers juicy, tender meat on the inside.

The slow roasting gives the chicken a chance to take on all of the spice rub’s flavors. A rack over a pan in the oven can be used to make the chicken look like it was cooked on a rotisserie if you don’t have one. Frequent basting will keep it moist and seasoned.

Serving Suggestions

While Montreal chicken is delicious eaten on its own, it’s often served as part of a hearty meal. Traditional accompaniments include:

• Crispy french fries – provide texture contrast and soak up any gravy

• Tangy coleslaw – offers brightness to cut the richness

• Savory gravy – made from the flavorful pan drippings

• Fresh salad – balances with crisp greens and vegetables

A sauce called “poulet frites” is also a popular condiment pairing. This peppery, meaty sauce complements the chicken and fries perfectly. Steamed vegetables can make a nice lighter side option too.

Tips for Making Montreal Chicken at Home

Recreating authentic Montreal chicken is easy to do in your own kitchen with a few tips:

• Make your own spice blend – this allows you to adjust flavors to your taste

• Marinate overnight – gives time for the rub to permeate the meat

• Use a rotisserie – creates the signature texture (or oven roast on a rack)

• Cook to 165°F internal temperature – ensures the chicken reaches safe doneness

• Let rest 5 minutes – allows juices to redistribute before carving

• Serve with classic sides – fries, slaw, salad and gravy for the full experience

• Make extra spice rub – stores well so you can easily season more chicken

With the right seasoning, cooking method and accompaniments, you can enjoy incredible Montreal chicken without leaving home. This versatile recipe is fun to make for backyard barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners any time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of chicken is best for Montreal chicken?

Whole chickens work very well, allowing even exposure to the spice rub and heat source. Chicken quarters or bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are also excellent options. Boneless chicken breasts can be used but may dry out more easily.

Is Montreal chicken spicy?

Montreal chicken offers just a hint of spice from ingredients like cayenne and paprika. It typically registers as mildly spicy rather than very hot and pungent. But you can adjust the level of heat by modifying the quantity of spicy components.

What spices are in Montreal steak seasoning?

The same blend of spices is used for Montreal steak seasoning, though sometimes with more black pepper. Both chicken and steak variations share the classic combo of garlic, onion, paprika, herbs and a touch of sweetness.

Where can I find Montreal chicken seasoning?

Pre-made Montreal chicken seasoning blends can be found online and in well-stocked grocery stores. Major brands like McCormick also make their own versions. But you can easily mix your own batch using common spices.

What are good side dishes for Montreal chicken?

Classic accompaniments like french fries, coleslaw, salad and gravy are perfect pairings. Potatoes or rice also complement well. For vegetables, options like roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts or asparagus would be delicious.

Montreal chicken offers a truly iconic taste of Canadian cuisine. With its signature spice blend, traditional rotisserie cooking method and classic accompaniments, this dish delivers an incredible depth of savory, sweet and spicy flavors. The next time you crave juicy, full-flavored chicken, give Montreal chicken a try! Whether enjoyed at a restaurant or made at home, this Quebec specialty never disappoints.