During the New Year holidays, many hosts and hostesses dedicate a lot of time to cooking, and often the centerpiece of the festive meal is a bird, such as a chicken. However, not everyone knows the tricks for achieving a golden-brown crust that makes the dish irresistibly appetizing.

There are several culinary tips to ensure your bird, whether prepared in the oven or on the stovetop, gets that perfect golden finish.

How to Achieve a Crispy Crust on Oven-Baked Chicken

One of the easiest ways to give your dish a crispy, golden look is to switch to the grill or top-heat mode for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

In addition, there are specific ingredients you can brush onto the poultry to create that golden-brown crust you’re aiming for.

Here are some options for giving your chicken its beautiful golden finish:

• Use softened butter or honey—apply it to the chicken about 15 minutes before it's done cooking, then pop it back into the oven.

• Generously season the bird with salt and pepper. Additionally, gently pull the skin away from the chicken breast and rub some seasoning directly onto the meat beneath.

The second tip ensures the skin turns extra crispy as the chicken roasts.

How to Enhance the Chicken’s Golden Crust with a Unique Glaze

For an alternative method, simply season the bird with salt and pepper and place about one-third of a lemon (with zest) inside the cavity. Roast the chicken for approximately one hour at a temperature of 180–200°C.

While it’s cooking, you can prepare a flavorful glaze. You’ll need the following ingredients:

• One finely chopped garlic clove.

• About 50 grams of butter.

• Around 50 grams of tomato paste.

• One tablespoon of sugar.

• Optional: spicy chili pepper to taste.

• One tablespoon of soy sauce.

Combine and heat these ingredients on low to create a smooth mixture. Be careful not to bring the glaze to a boil.

How to Apply the Glaze for a Perfect Golden-Brown Crust

When there are about 10–15 minutes left before the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven. Brush the bird with a thick layer of the glaze and return it to the oven, reducing the temperature to about 170°C. Keep a close eye on the cooking process, as the sugar in the glaze can caramelize quickly and might burn if unattended.

How to Get Crispy Chicken Skin on the Stovetop

Cooking chicken on the stovetop often results in a tender piece of meat, but it might lack that appetizing golden crust. Interestingly, one specific dairy product—sour cream—can help achieve a stunning golden-brown finish.

Now that we’ve covered what to coat the chicken with for a crisp crust, here’s how to do it correctly. Brush the chicken with sour cream, then place it onto a hot skillet. Once one side is golden, flip it over and brown the other side. After that, reduce the heat and let the chicken cook through on low heat.

Previously, UNIAN shared suggestions for festive New Year’s salads for 2025.

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