Food - Drink
The Condiment You Should Use For Ultra-Moist Baked Chicken
By LAUREN ROTHMAN
A few ingredients in the food world are in the love-it-or-hate-it category, mayonnaise included. Even those of us who like mayo think of it as a simple sandwich condiment, but this spread is actually far more versatile and can bring extra richness to many kitchen creations, including a classic roast chicken.
The New York Times columnist J. Kenji López-Alt and grilling expert Meathead Goldwyn love to smear mayo on chicken before grilling. In a similar way, slathering the outside of a chicken with mayo before roasting helps insulate the meat and keep it moist while promoting even browning, which results in deliciously crispy skin.
While plain mayonnaise works nicely for this method, the chicken comes out even better with the addition of tasty seasonings — such as garlic, lemon zest, and mustard — mixed into the spread. The next time you're roasting chicken, skip the butter and opt for mayonnaise instead for a surprisingly delicious treat.